Shirley Lee Rudder

Shirley Lee (Broshear) Rudder

90, of Camden, peacefully passed away at home on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

She was born December 25, 1935, in Butler County, to the late William M. and Helen M. (Edgington) Broshear.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded by beloved husband of 65 years, William Rudder; six brothers; and one sister.

She is survived by her daughters, Sharon (Craig) Harkrider, Karen (Jon) Montani, and Anita (Michael) Ball; grandchildren, Benjamin (Bianca), Aaron, Anna, Nathanael (Emma) Harkrider and Sarah, Rachel, Arielle Ball; seven great grandchildren; and sister, Janet Bagwell.

Known for her quick wit, unmistakable sense of humor, and just the right dash of sass, Shirley left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

For more than 30 years, Shirley dedicated her life to shaping young minds as a first-grade teacher at Eaton City Schools. She had a gift for making every child feel seen, valued, and capable, and she took great pride in helping her students build the foundation they would carry throughout their lives. Even long after her retirement, she was fondly remembered by generations of students who never forgot “Mrs. Rudder.”

At home, Shirley was the heart of the family. Alongside her husband, William, she embraced life on the farm and service at First Southern Baptist Church, never afraid to roll up her sleeves and lend a hand. She was also involved with 4-H, sharing her knowledge, patience, and encouragement with her daughters.

Shirley and William shared a love for adventure and travel that took them far beyond their home. Whether sailing the Great Lakes, building friends and families in sunny Florida, or exploring the beauty of North America, they built a lifetime of memories side by side. Their journeys were filled with laughter, stories, and the kind of joy that comes from simply being together.

Of all the roles Shirley held, none meant more to her than being a grandmother. Her grandchildren were her greatest joy, and she poured her heart into teaching them not just lessons from books, but lessons for life. She was their biggest supporter, their trusted teacher, and their constant source of love and encouragement.

Shirley will be remembered for her laughter, her strength, her unwavering dedication to her family and community, and the spark of sass that made her uniquely unforgettable. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the lessons she shared, and the love she leaves behind.

A graveside service will be held Monday, July 13 at 11:30AM at Fairmount Cemetery, Camden.

Contributions may be made to the following organizations which made lasting impacts to Shirley and her family. Ohio Living Corporate, Attention of the Ohio Living Foundation, 9200 Worthington Road, Suite 300, Westerville, Ohio 43082 and/or First Southern Baptist Church, 35 N. Liberty St, Camden, Ohio 45311 and/or Preble County Council on Aging, 800 E. St Clair Street, Eaton, OH 45320.

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