Rude: Vera MarieJan. 6, 1930 – Feb. 27, 2019

Vera Marie Rude, nee Poeckens, was born January 6, 1930 and died February 27, 2019, surrounded by her family.

She was born in Cereal to parents Annie and John Poeckens, who lived south of Chinook. In 1933, they moved to Camrose. While in high school, Vera met the Rude family, specifically Donald. She graduated in 1948 from Camrose High School.

Vera and Donald were married June 15, 1949. Shortly after, they moved to the Sedalia area. They purchased the Holman farm in 1955 and raised six children there – Wayne, Brian, Robert, Steven, Karen and Janice.

In the 1950s as a young mother, she became involved with the Farm Women’s Union of Alberta, which later became the Women of Unifarm. She served at local and regional levels before serving as vice president and later as president. Women’s involvement in farming was very important to her and she traveled provincially and beyond.

In March 1969, Donnie lost his life to cancer. Vera and the family remained on the farm until 1980 when the farm was sold to her son Steven and his wife Sandra. She built a house in Cereal and Wally joined her shortly after. They lived there for over 30 years. After Wally’s death Vera moved to the Country Cottages, and then to the Oyen Lodge until her death.

Vera was very community minded and after moving to Cereal she served on many different boards in many different capacities and volunteered wherever and whenever she was needed. She also took the time to travel to many different places.

Home and family were very dear to her heart. Annual family gatherings were very important to her. Vera looked forward to any opportunity to get together. Vera loved her yard and tending to her flowers and garden. She said it was good therapy for all of us!

Vera is survived by her brother Merle (Darlene); six children with their families: Wayne (Kathy), Brian (Kellyann), Robert (Joan), Steven (Sandra), Karen, and Janice (Roger); 17 grandchildren and their spouses; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Vera was predeceased by her parents Annie and John; husband Donnie; daughter-in-law Rosemarie; son-in-law Bruce; and dear friend Walter Hunter.

Funeral service was held Tuesday, March 5 at the Cereal Community Hall in Cereal. Officiating clergy was Rev. Helen Reed. Marvel Jorgenson was the pianist and special music was provided by Scott Rude. Honorary pallbearers were all of Vera’s many friends and family who cared and shared in her life.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by Lori Toth in the Community Hall.

Funeral arrangements in care of MacLean’s Funeral Home, Oyen.