Robi Larson-Rueske

Roberta “Robi” Larson-Rueske, 53, of St. Joseph, passed peacefully away at her home surrounded by her family on Monday, May 14, 2007, with her youngest daughter Haley reading Bible verses to her. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 18, 2007 at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Pastor Marlo Friske officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation with the family will be Thursday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home and Lory’s Place. Those wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Robi was born April 26, 1954, in St. Joseph to Robert & Elaine Ives. She was a lifelong citizen of St. Joseph. Robi worked at Rimes/Fisher Landis Clothing store from 1985 until 2004 when she went to work at Lakeland Regional Medical Center as a Nursing Assistant. She had a passion for helping other’s and always said to give until your heart can’t stand it. She loved gardening, growing, and selling flowers in front of her home on Lincoln Ave. Robi had talent for creating art. Whether it was arranging a bouquet, sewing a costume, or painting a ceiling into a mural, she made it beautiful. Most important to her was spending time with her family. She also had a strong faith in God and read her Bible daily. Robi is survived by her partner in life of 24 years, Rick Rueske; and by her children, Jeremy (Casey) Larson of Portage; Jana (Jeff) Ward; and Adrienne and Haley Rueske all of St. Joseph; mother, Elaine Ives of St. Joseph; grandchildren, Chase and Kendall Larson, and Steven and Zakk Ward; sisters, Jo Ann Pallas and Jennifer L. (Bob) Cox of St. Joseph; and by her brothers, Mike Ives of St. Joseph, and Rory (Althea Cates) Ives of Benton Harbor. Robi was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Andrew Larson; by her father, Robert Allen Ives; and by her brother Timothy Ives.