Erling (Earl) Duane Rue Obituary (1933

Erling Duane Rue (Earl) was born November 20, 1933 in his grandmother's farmhouse in Sheyenne, North Dakota and went to be with our Lord on November 21, 2015, one day after his 82nd birthday. Erling and his family moved to Seattle in 1942. After graduating from Highline High School in 1952, Erling was drafted into the Army and served in Korea for two years. After returning from Korea, His love for all things mechanical led Erling and his brothers to spend time working on cars and enjoy a successful car racing career. Erling married Ruth in 1961 and son Alan was born in 1962. They made their first home in Kent, Washington. They moved to Renton, Washington in 1968. Daughter Renee was born in 1969. One day, after Ruth's comment that he would miss out on his children's lives, Earl decided to give up car racing and made his family his priority. Thereafter, Earl was always very involved with everything his family was doing and worked very hard to provide for all of them. He always kept all the family vehicles running smoothly, and many friends' cars, too. In 1978, Earl prayed to receive Christ as His Lord and Savior. Earl began to make significant changes in His life, which greatly impacted his family and many others - to the glory of God! In 1996, Earl and Ruth moved to Silverdale, Washington to be closer to their grandkids. Earl retired from Metro Transit in Seattle in 1998. After retiring, Earl became more active in Crossroads Neighborhood Church, serving as a deacon, a governing board member and a greeter with Ruth. Earl always had a warm smile and friendly greeting. Even with health challenges in later years, Earl regularly mentored other men in their walk with the Lord. Earl loved fresh fruit, beef stroganoff, and pie, especially Ruth's lemon meringue. His 82nd birthday was celebrated just as he wanted, with his favorite foods and his family around him. On his last morning, Earl recited part of the Lord's prayer and Ruth finished it with him. He passed away peacefully in his sleep. Earl is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 54 years; his son Alan and wife Debbie; his daughter, Renee and husband, Dave; his grandchildren Brian married to Alison, and Allie married to Chris. He is also survived by his sister, Carrine married to Jim from Plant City, Florida and many nieces, nephews and family members. In lieu of flowers, gifts in honor of Earl can be made to the American Cancer Society.