Rita Rudloff, age 83, of Huron, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at her home in Huron. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held in Spring 2027. 

Rita Marie Rudloff was born March 29, 1943, in Spink County, South Dakota, to Imogene (Holcomb) Marsh. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Lloyd Marsh, in a lively home filled with brothers and sisters, with whom she remained close throughout her life.

After losing her mother in a tragic accident at the age of 14, Rita made her home with her eldest sister and her family until she graduated from high school. Although she experienced great loss at a young age, Rita carried forward a deep devotion to family that remained at the heart of her life.

Rita had an adventurous spirit from the start. As a young woman, she raced cars and spent time in Chicago working as a nurse’s aide at a hospital. She was independent, spirited, and never afraid to try something new.

On January 28, 1965, Rita married Edward Gary Rudloff in Huron. They made their home there and raised four children: Desiree, Gay Marie, Gary, and Scott. Rita took tremendous pride in being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and her family was the center of her life. She treasured the time she spent with her children and grandchildren. She was also a beloved aunt who shared an especially close bond with her nieces and nephews.

Rita was an active member of her community. She served as a Girl Scout leader and taught ceramics, sharing her creativity and encouragement with others. For many years, she worked as the bookkeeper for Rudy’s Towing Service, where she was a familiar and dependable presence. She was deeply proud of her grandchildren who served in the military and honored each of them by proudly displaying a flag from her front porch.

Creativity was an important part of Rita’s life. A talented photographer, she photographed weddings and created senior portraits for families throughout the area. Her skill behind the camera earned her awards, but the photographs she created—and the memories she preserved through them—were especially meaningful to those who knew her.

Rita found joy in the simple things. She loved tending her flowers and watching her garden grow. She loved her truck and enjoyed a good game of cards—which she played fiercely and always intended to win. Her family looked forward to her home-cooked meals, especially her pheasant dinner.

Rita will be remembered for her devotion to family, her creativity, her adventurous spirit, and the strength with which she met life’s challenges.

The family is deeply grateful to the nurses, aides, relatives, and friends who cared for and supported Rita throughout her illness. They offer special and heartfelt thanks to her neighbor and dear friend, Kelly Johnson. Kelly was a constant presence in Rita’s life for many years, long before her illness began, and remained faithfully by her side throughout it. Her friendship, companionship, and unwavering support brought Rita—and her family—immeasurable comfort.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her children, Desiree Rudloff, Gay Marie Skovlund, Gary (Tricia) Rudloff, and Scott Rudloff; seven grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; her sisters, Gloria Clarke and Suzie Rasmussen; and her many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward, in 1993; her mother, Imogene Marsh; her stepfather, Lloyd Marsh; her brother, Gary Gabriel; her sister and brother-in-law, MaryJane and George Wilson; her son-in-law, Marty Skovlund Sr.; her granddaughter, Rita Mae Moxness; her brothers-in-law, Roger Clarke and Alan Rasmussen; and her nephews, Mike and Darren Gabriel.