Judith M. “Judy” (Schuepbach) Ruehrup, 79, of rural New Douglas, died on Friday, March 27, 2026, at her residence.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 4, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton. Funeral services will follow at 12 noon at the church, with Pastor Phil Girardin officiating. Burial will follow at Spangle Cemetery near Livingston.
Mrs. Ruehrup was born on Dec. 11, 1946, in Breese, the daughter of the late Othmar and Evelyn (Hannig) Schuepbach. She married Wayne E. Ruehrup on June 11, 1966, at Zion Lutheran Church in Staunton, and he survives.
She held several different jobs over the years, working as a telephone operator in Collinsville, then at Bodner Brothers Equipment in Staunton, then later at Litchfield Meat Market in Litchfield with her son, Brett and finally at Firnhaber Florist in Staunton. But her favorite and most important job to her was taking care of her family. She was also a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Staunton, the Ladies Aid of the Church and she taught Sunday School for many years.
Mrs. Ruehrup loved planting her flowers and watching them grow, enjoyed her country home of over 50 years, but most of all loved being around her family.
She is survived by her husband, Wayne E. Ruehrup of rural New Douglas; sons, Brett (Christy) Ruehrup of rural New Douglas and Ryan (Amber) Ruehrup of rural Staunton; daughter-in-law, Ann Lesemann; grandchildren, Logan (Lindsay) Ruehrup of Staunton, Lauren (Spencer) Raffield of Staunton, Dylan (fiancee Nicole) Ruehrup of Potosi, MO and Brent Ruehrup of Staunton; great-grandchildren, Reed Raffield, Levi Ruehrup and great-granddaughter Evelyn on the way, who is named after her great-great-grandmother; sister, Diane (Richard) Weise of Memphis, TN; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ruehrup was preceded in death by a son, Darian Ruehrup; great-grandchildren, Josie Ruehrup and baby Raffield; and nephew, Jay Weise.
Memorials are suggested to either Zion Lutheran School in Staunton or to Spangle Cemetery near Livingston.
