Charles E. Rhude

Charles E. Rhude, 80, of Elkhart, Indiana, died Sunday, October 26, 2008, at Valley View Health Center in Elkhart.  He was born in Ligonier, Indiana, on January 14, 1928 to Grandville L. and Maxine (Smith) Rhude. He married Merrie Jayne Grover in Fort Wayne, Indiana on September 1, 1950. She survives.   A lifelong area resident, Mr. Rhude worked for Schult Homes in Middlebury, Indiana. Prior to working for Schult Homes, he worked as a carpenter in Elkhart County.   He is survived by his wife; two daughters, Sheila (Bill) Miller of Silver Springs, Florida and Connie Nihart of South Bend; his son, Gary Rhude of Elkhart; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Linda Cheneworth of South Bend, and his brother, Norm (Susan) Rhude of Texas.    He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Ellen Holland and Evelyn Lynch; and three brothers, Dick Smith, Frank Rhude, and Jack Rhude.    Friends may call 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, October 29, at the funeral home.   An 11:00 a.m., Thursday, October 30, 2008 funeral service will be conducted at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home. Pastor Dwight Gosser of New Life Christian Center Church, Bristol, will officiate.   Burial will be in Violett Cemetery, Goshen.   Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.