Beverly M. Rudiger, of Lakeville, passed away on May 18, 2017, at the age of 91. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville. Father Thomas Wilson will preside, and Beverly’s grandchildren and their spouses will act as pallbearers. Beverly will be laid to rest at All Saints Catholic Cemetery in Lakeville.

On November 10, 1925, Ralph and Bernice (McGinn) Ballard welcomed their daughter, Beverly Mary Ballard, into the world. Bev was the oldest of two and loved growing up in St. Paul with her younger brother, Dick. When Bev was a girl, her family owned an ice cream shop on Grand Avenue. Although she often complained about having to make the egg-salad sandwiches, Bev enjoyed working at the ice cream shop.

Bev attended and graduated from St. Joe’s Academy in St. Paul where she made many lifelong friends who always referred to her as “Ballard.” While in school, Bev also had a close relationship with many of the nuns. On weekends, she’d borrow her Aunt Addie’s car to take the nuns for a Sunday drive. Even then, Beverly was a little mischievous; she was sure to take the corners a little too fast so the nun’s habits would tilt off kilter.

After high school, Bev met a handsome young man named Clarence “Rut” Rudiger. They had mutual friends and met at a local bar. She knew right away that he was the man she’d marry. A while into their courtship, Rut finally said, “I love you” to Bev. But his declaration was met with silence. Finally, Rut asked, “Well, don’t you love me too?” To which Bev replied, “Ya, I do”. This quickly became their signature line to each other, and Bev signed every note she wrote to Rut with, “Ya, I do”.

Rut and Bev were married on December 27, 1947, at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in St. Paul. They were blessed with three wonderful children, and settled in Lakeville to raise their family. As a family, they enjoyed riding horses and spending time on the lake. Bev and Rut frequently hosted beautiful dinner parties, and Bev was a wonderful homemaker.

She also worked outside the home for many years. Her first job was with the IRS, but she later became a bank teller at Summit State Bank in Richfield. In fact, it was her boss at the bank that introduced her to all the fun Las Vegas had to offer. Bev loved the hustle and bustle of casinos. Whether she was in Vegas or at Mystic Lake, Bev had a good time and always came out ahead (ha ha).

Bev loved having a good time, and she always had the best wit. She was quick with a funny comment and everyone loved her for it. She always seemed to know what was going on, and she never missed a beat. Beverly loved her family dearly, and was especially proud of her Irish heritage. She celebrated every St. Patrick’s Day in St. Paul. Bev always had her corner booth reserved at Gallivan’s for the festivities.

Although Bev had a lot of fun, there were also some hard times in her life. She was in a terrible car accident and was badly injured. She was in a hospital bed for more than a year, but Bev was a strong woman, and she persevered. Bev was lucky to have her family by her side every step of the way. She also had a strong faith that helped her through every challenge.

Bev had a lot of spunk, and she wasn’t afraid to share it with the world. Her witty comments and sassy spirit will be missed by so many. Bev will be remembered always by her children, Mike (Jean) Rudiger, Pat (Cyndy) Rudiger and Joan Rudiger; grandchildren, Michele (Chad) Urdahl, Megan (Damian) Laudenbach, Dan (Melanie) Rudiger and Rachel Rudiger; great-grandchildren, Maddie, Ava, Max, Myra, Austin, and Eli; other loving relatives and friends.

Bev was greeted in Heaven by her husband, Clarence “Rut” Rudiger; great-grandson, Jack; parents, Ralph and Bernice Ballard; brother, Dick (Jan) Ballard.

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