Julie R. Ruder

Julie R. Ruder 54, of Maple Park, IL a cherished wife, mother, and friend passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. She was born November 22, 1969, in Baltimore, MD and is the daughter of Jesse W. and Sondra J. (Larson) Tuggle.

A proud graduate of Kaneland High School Class of 1988, Julie pursued her passions with remarkable zeal. She earned her Cosmetology license and went on to obtain her CNA and Medical Assistant certificates. Most recently, she was nearing her 15-year milestone with Northwestern Medicine, an achievement she celebrated with great pride and enthusiasm.

She married David E. Ruder on August 31, 1991, at the United Methodist Church in DeKalb. Together, they built a beautiful family, creating treasured memories in Illinois, Arizona and the family lake house in Wisconsin. Julie's love for her family was evident in every moment she spent with them.

Julie's career was as varied as it was fulfilling. She started as a hairstylist before creating a welcoming and loving home as an in-home daycare provider, where she formed a lasting friendship with Karen. From there, she worked as a CNA at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital and the DeKalb Clinic creating multiple loving friendships with coworkers, specifically Teresa. Her skills and compassion were deeply valued..

Julie had a passion for capturing life's moments through photography and cherished creating scrapbooks to preserve these memories. She would watch her kids at snowmobile races, cattle and pig shows at the fair, football and softball games, dance recitals, and band concerts, capturing each event with her camera and lovingly preserving them in her scrapbooks. Julie also dedicated her time to volunteering at HorsePower Therapeutic Riding, reflecting her generous spirit and commitment to helping others. She was also known for her passion for fitness, either going to the gym before work in the early hours or taking the family dog Diesel on walks for miles after work. Her life was a testament to her love, dedication, and unwavering spirit, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include; husband Dave Ruder of Maple Park, children; Alyson (Weston) Wieciech of Mesa, AZ Aaron (Darby Bend) Ruder of Paw Paw, and Kellie (Fiancé Matt Fabrizius) Ruder of Genoa. Parents; Jesse and Sondra Tuggle of Surprise, AZ. Brother Timothy Tuggle of Surprise, AZ. Three grandchildren; Mia, Paxton and Hannah and her best friend Karen, a dear work friend Teresa and her Malta friends that would often be found around a pool. She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents, father-in-law Gene Ruder, and infant niece; Jessica Tuggle.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024, from 4:00pm-7:00pm at Finch Funeral Home. Memorial service will be held at 7:00pm on August 2, 2024, at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to the family to be established at a later date. The family requests all attendees to dress casual and if you wish wear purple; Julie's favorite color. Cremation rites and arrangements were entrusted to Finch Funeral Home 310 Oak St. DeKalb, IL 60115 815-758-3841.