Ethel A. Rudolph, age 94, of Annandale, died Friday, August 5, 2016 at the Annandale Care Center.

Memorial Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 11, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Annandale with Rev. Tom Heyd officiating. Private burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. In lieu of flowers and memorials, Ethel’s desire was for people to do at least one random act of kindness in her memory.

Ethel Annamae Rudolph was born December 9, 1921 in Annandale to Alvin and Esther Olson. She lived in Annandale all of her life. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Annandale.  On February 14, 1941 she was united in marriage to Leonard Rudolph. They had two daughters, Barbara Cichosz and Sharon Snabb. She worked several jobs – all in Annandale. In 1975 she and Leonard bought the Annandale Bakery. After Leonard’s death, her true passion became working at Bendix Elementary School as a “Grandma”. To this day most people call her Grandma Ethel, including former students, who are now grown. Writing became another passion. Throughout her life she had poems and articles published in various newspapers and magazines. She continued to write until she could no longer do so. On Wednesdays, Ethel could be found at the Annandale Senior Dining, enjoying lunch with her friends and then spending time making greeting cards.

Ethel is survived by her two daughters, Barbara Cichosz and Sharon Snabb, both of Annandale; 3 grandchildren, Jamison (Amy) Cichosz of Albert Lea, Rob Snabb and Josh Snabb both of Annandale; 4 great grandchildren, Gavin, Campbell, Burke and Mika all of Albert Lea; sisters, Mabel DesMarais of Buffalo, Grace Rasset of Annandale, and Marie Rudolph of Crystal; and many nieces, nephews, other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard, parents, Alvin and Esther Olson, silbings, Lillian Jordan, Evelyn Scheider, Hazel Olson, Baby Olson and Walter “Pete” Olson, 2 sons-in-law, Jerry Cichosz and James Snabb.

Orma Lou Jacobsma will provide music for the service. Arrangements are entrusted to Dingmann Funeral Care Burial & Cremation Services of Annandale.

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