Thomas Rudgers

Thomas Rudgers, 77, passed away at his home in Davenport, Wash. on Dec. 4, 2021, after battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Tom was born in Sioux Falls, S. D. to Robert Rudgers and Shirley DeLap, the eldest of 3 boys. He graduated from La Mirada High School in 1962. He met his future wife, Gail Kennan in high school. They were married in East Los Angeles in 1964.

He attended Cal Poly Pomona for animal husbandry. In 1963 he started work at Southern California Edison as a meter reader. After an apprenticeship at So Cal Edison, and giving birth to their daughter, Lisa, they moved to Rim Forest, California, where he was a journeyman lineman. A few years after their son Gary was born, a half dozen fellow lineman families moved to Spokane “because Spokane is a great place to raise kids.” The family moved to Veradale where Tom got a job as a lineman at Washington Water Power (now Avista). After 20 years, Tom and Gail moved to Davenport, Wash. because it was a small town and “everyone is friendly.” Tom continued to work at Avista as a Foreman until he retired in 2001.

Tom enjoyed wood working in his garage where he created beautiful pieces of furniture for friends and family. He enjoyed bowling, fishing, boating, and hanging with the “coffee group” at Subway and the 10 o’clock bunch every weekday morning in Davenport.

He is survived by Gail, his wife of 57 years, his two brothers, his daughter Lisa Hanses, son Gary Rudgers, grandchildren Kenna Mae and Garrison Hanses, and son-in-law Shane Bradshaw.

The family is planning a memorial service in the spring of 2022.

Strate Funeral Home Davenport, WA is caring for the Rudgers Family.