Benegene ""Gene"" Rudiger

Benegene (Gene) Rudiger Resident of Walnut Creek Dec. 10, 1922 - Oct. 10, 2010 Gene Rudiger passed away on Sunday after a brief illness. Her spirit and generosity will live in the hearts of all she touched. Gene was born and raised on a small farm in Arkansas. She served in the Coast Guard during World War II and moved to Berkeley after her discharge. It was there she met and married Howard, focusing on raising her family after moving to Walnut Creek in 1949. When her children were grown she re-entered the work force, starting as a temporary clerk at Macy's and quickly rising through the ranks to manage the regional transportation department. Cancer played a big role in Gene's life. She volunteered with the American Cancer Society for many years. After beating cancer in 1986 she helped to start The Wellness Community and volunteered with the United Ostomy Association. Gene had a lifelong passion for learning. She was an avid traveler, visiting many remote areas of the world, often with California Academy of Sciences, to learn about other cultures and habitats. She shared that love with her children and grandchildren, once taking them to Africa to experience the majesty of the wildlife there. Gene was also a passionate gardener, never afraid to try something new. She was an active volunteer at Ruth Bancroft Garden and was awarded the Golden Barrel Cactus Award in recognition of her support. Gene was also a member of the Navy League of Contra Costa for many years. She served on the board and received the Navy Leaguer of the Year Award. Gene is survived by Howard, her husband of 63 years, by her sisters Carlene Saunders and Hazel Farrell, her children Wayne Rudiger and Pat Emery, 3 granddaughters and 6 great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Ruth Bancroft Garden, 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek at 2:30 pm on Saturday, Nov. 13. Memorial gifts may be made to The Neuropathy Association, 60 E. 42nd St. Ste # 942, New York, N.Y. 10165