CHESTER - Rudell Rickenberg, 96, of Chester, passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020, at Bethesda Southgate Senior Care, St. Louis, Missouri.

Rudell was born to Rudolph and Lilly (Ernsting) Meyer on March 21, 1924 in Chester, Illinois.  She married Harold Rickenberg on October 26, 1941 in St. Louis, Missouri.  He preceded her in death on May 22, 1978.   Rudell lived on the family farm until 1980 when she moved to a home in Steeleville.  During the past three years, Rudell has lived at the Manor at Craig Farms in Chester.

Rudell was both a homemaker and employed outside the home.  She retired in 1989 as production manager at Gilster Mary-Lee.  She was a member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Wine Hill, for almost 80 years, serving as treasurer for 25 years.  She was also a member of Randolph County Home Extension and Lutheran Church Women.  Following retirement, she volunteered at numerous local social services.  Rudell enjoyed gardening, quilting, reading, watching St. Louis Cardinals, and playing pinochle.

Rudell is survived by her children, Shirley (Nelson) Gremmels of Novato, CA, Dale (Linda) Rickenberg of Campbell Hill, and Sharon (John) Patterson of Los Altos, CA; son-in-law Jim Garriss; 8 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; and brother Glenn (Carol) Meyer, Sr. of Steeleville.

In addition to her husband, Rudell was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter Sandra Garriss; three sisters and three brothers-in-law, Dorothy (Sam) Korando, Lois (Russell) McConachie, and Grace (Charles) Moll.

Private graveside services will be held on Sunday, December 13 at St. Peter's Lutheran Cemetery, Wine Hill, with Minister Deb Rathert officiating.  Burial will follow at St. Peter's cemetery.  Memorials may be given to St. Peter's Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.