Betsy (Branstetter) Rude, 89, of St. Charles, Missouri, formerly of Centralia, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 29th, 2024.
Betsy was born on January 11th, 1935 in Sullivan, Indiana to Henry Warren Branstetter and Vollie (Ashcraft) Branstetter. She married Charles H. Rude, Jr. on December 28, 1955, in Centralia, Illinois and he preceded in her in death on May 12, 1989.
Betsy is survived by her loving daughters: Charlene Smith and husband Steve of Cottleville, Missouri and Linda Mijal and husband Phil of The Villages, Florida; grandchildren: Jennifer Moll of Bridgeton, Missouri and Chris Smith and wife Rachel of St. Charles, Missouri, great-granddaughters Hesleigh and Raegan Smith; sister-in-law: Marlyn Culbreth; and two nieces: Dana Waggoner and Kelly Culbreth.
Betsy earned her bachelor’s Degree in Education at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, where she met her husband, Charles. She dedicated 29 years of her life to teaching at the Centralia City Schools. She was a passionate educator who touched the lives of many students throughout her career. She was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church in Centralia. Betsy loved spending time with her family, reading, traveling, playing cards, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals.
Betsy is preceded in death by her parents, husband, father and mother-in-law: Charles H. Rude, Sr. and Cara Dora Rude, and brother-in-law: William “Bill” Culbreth.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, August 2, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Hillcrest Lakeside Chapel in Centralia with Pastor Tony Paulson officiating. Burial will follow. Visitation will be held Friday afternoon from 1:00 PM until the time of service in the chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Betsy’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
