Cheryl Rude

Cheryl Gail Rude

"Gabbie" "Yakky"

Born on September 17, 1961 and passed away unexpectedly on January 28, 2025 at the age of 63 years. She is preceded in death by her parents Edward & Edna Young. Cheryl is survived by her childhood sweetheart and husband Joe; children Andrea Forsythe (Bill), Callan Mueller, Alex Taylor (Cecy), Noah Rude, Devin Rude (Tamer) & Logan Rude (Rosa); grandchildren Carter, Gabbie, Lucy, Skylar, Azayah, Yaseen, Zane & Amir; siblings Deb Peterson (Paul), Ed Young (Joan), Tim Young (Tracey) & Kim Lefebvre (John); nieces, nephews and many many loving family & friends. Service Friday, February 7th at 11:00 am at ST. ANDREW'S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi. Interment Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation Thursday, February 6th from 4-7:00 pm at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 835 Johnson Parkway and one hour before the service at church on Friday. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to the family.

On a glorious September day 63 years ago, the world was gifted with the presence of a beautiful, old soul; Cheryl Gail. 

Cheryl lived a life full of love, music, adventure, and a deep connection with those around her. She inspired many with her extraordinary spirit. 

Cheryl’s love of music developed early. She was a very talented pianist, often playing in weddings for her friends and loved ones. Her love of music didn’t stop at the piano; she also mastered the French horn. She seized every opportunity to dance along to good music, spreading joy with every dance move. 

Travel was important to Cheryl. She enjoyed cruising to exotic islands. Seeing the mountains in Colorado while visiting family filled her heart with joy. Spending summers at the cabin in Canada where she made precious memories with her family and friends, caught plenty of fish, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery with a good book was time she cherished. 

Cheryl loved spending time outdoors and she was an avid reader, often combining these passions by reading on either her deck or in her beautiful gazebo. She had a colorful backyard filled with flowers and vegetables that she lovingly tended. Her backyard was a natural gathering space where she happily hosted fun evenings with loved ones. Her beautiful deck gave her a clear view of the sky where she enjoyed watching a good thunderstorm roll in. She loved the smell of rain, lavender, and lilacs. 

Cheryl welcomed neighborhood kids and her children’s friends into her home and loved them like they were her own. She coached her son’s bowling teams and was always there to cheer them on at their baseball events. She had a silly side that absolutely delighted everyone that knew her. Her laugh was contagious. 

Cheryl found her true purpose as a hospice nurse. Her caring yet direct approach combined with her empathic and intuitive nature guided patients and their loved ones at a delicate time in their lives. She handled it tenderly with love and grace.

Of all that Cheryl treasured, she loved her friends, her grandkids, her kids and her soulmate, Joe, the most. She is loved tremendously and will be forever cherished. May the warmth of her spirit continue to inspire and uplift us.