Agnes "Perkie" Rita Rubadue

Agnes Rita “Perkie” Rubadue, 93, of Greeley, Colorado, passed away Monday, December 14, 2020 at Seven Lakes in Loveland. She was born January 20, 1927 in Columbus, Ohio to Raymond Albert and Agnes Cecelia (Murphy) Foeller.

Perkie met the love of her life, Edwin Rubadue, in 1941. They were roller-skating and her brother Joe introduced them. She wrote to Ed daily during WWII, including when he was in prison camp - only to find out he didn’t get any of the letters until he returned to Columbus. They were married June 10, 1946. The family moved around a bit between OH, TN, UT and CA and came to Colorado in August 1994. Perkie and Ed started the family business, Rubadue Wire Company in 1976, while in California and then later moved it to Greeley, Colorado.

Perkie’s first job was in her family’s drugstore in Columbus, Ohio. After marrying Ed, the real job started! Perkie and Ed’s family grew to ten kids. They were both from big families and had looked forward to having one together. Being a Mom was her calling, and it was a big job! Later, it was the grandchildren who stole her heart.

When Rubadue Wire was a startup, Perkie went back to work at “Naugles” a fast-food restaurant in Corona, CA. She discovered burritos there and it was quite the find! Everyone on staff called her “mom” and she always worked the front counter…..because no one could possibly be mad when she smiled at you.

One of the fondest memories of Perkie’s children is when she played the piano. Her family would all sing along to the Sound of Music and other classics. When she was younger, Perkie played the piano for her siblings at home as well as the piano/organ at church. Perkie was a lifelong member of Catholic churches, most recently St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Greeley.

Perkie loved to bake and was famous for her cookies and cinnamon rolls. Perkie was happiest when she was surrounded by her family. If you were lucky enough to visit her home, she would welcome you to the family and you would never leave hungry. Perkie’s big hugs and smiles made everyone feel at ease no matter where they were. A party wasn’t a party if there were no treats!

Perkie is survived by her children: Jim (Julie) Rubadue of Wiggins, Colorado; Mary Henry of Riverside, California; Dan (Joan) Rubadue of Greeley, Colorado; Kate Rubadue (Widow of Mike) of Firestone, Colorado; Jude Rubadue (Roy Johnson) of Salt Lake City, Utah; Carl (Rhonda) Rubadue of Fredericksburg, Texas; Brian (Alicia) Rubadue of Kauai, Hawaii; Ed (Kim) Rubadue of Loveland, Colorado; Mark (Theresa) Rubadue of Maple Valley, Washington, and Sue Welsh (Bob Smith) of Wilmington, Delaware. Add to these numerous, beloved grandchildren (38), and great-grandchildren (still growing)! When the family gets together, as you can imagine, it’s quite a party.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin, in October 2009 and her son, Michael Rubadue in April 2013.

Special thanks to Carol Janeka and Delbert Miller for many years of kind service. Thanks also to Kristina Van Gorp and Seven Lakes in Loveland for their sensitivity and care.

A Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 21, 2020 at Sunset Memorial Gardens for family members only.

Any gifts please send to St Peter’s Catholic Church, 915 12th Street, Greeley, CO 80631