Dorothy Ann Rueger, 87, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away peacefully Saturday, March 11th, 2023 at Linda E. White Hospice House. She was the daughter of the late Edward and Pearl Garrigan of Columbus, Ohio.

Dorothy grew up in Columbus and attended South High and the Columbus College of Art and Design. She met the love of her life, David Rueger, in 1955, at which time she was an artist for the Columbus Dispatch and he was stationed at Lockbourne Air Force Base. Dave became stationed in Greenland and Dorothy wrote to him every single day. She always said she knew by the second week they knew each other that they were meant to be together forever.

Dorothy and Dave were married May 4, 1957, in Columbus, and moved shortly thereafter to Dave's hometown of Evansville, Indiana. Dave's family quickly became hers; she spoke often of her love of becoming part of a large family and how welcoming they all were to her. Dorothy and Dave began a family of their own in Evansville and she was a proud and wonderful mother to her three children. She enjoyed supporting their activities and was a Boy Scout Den Mother for many years. With her artistic and savvy marketing skills and Dave's electronic knowledge, together they founded Davco. They built Davco into a thriving business that never left their repair roots, but grew to focus on sewing machines and vacuum cleaners. She was a talented seamstress and enjoyed teaching sewing classes. Though, perhaps what she enjoyed most of all during her career was building relationships with employees and customers.

Dorothy had a very giving heart and was the center of her family. A lifelong Christian, Dorothy often said how happy she was that God gave her such a wonderful husband and big loving family. Everyone knew they could count on her to be there with a big smile, a listening ear, and the best advice. Dorothy loved to entertain, and was known for cooking delicious meals, throwing pool parties, and celebrating holidays in style. Quite the musician and artist, she enjoyed the arts her entire life. She and Dave were also avid travelers and took many trips over the years. She especially loved their trips to Las Vegas, their time spent in Europe, and their cruise down the Pacific Coast. One of Dorothy's favorite volunteer activities was playing Mrs. Claus in the Jacobsville Christmas event for several years.

Dorothy lives on through her husband of 67 years, David Rueger; children: Jeff and Lisa Rueger, Mindy Rueger Hass, Chris Rueger; grandchildren: Dale Smith, Valarie and Shawn Lewis, Katie Smith, Jessica and Nathan Wildeman, Andrea Hillgoth, Logan and Calla Hass; great grandchildren: Chloe, Sophie, Ady, Jackson, Harper, Millie, Charlotte, Carmi, Grace, Haley, Levi, Madison; as well as many cherished extended family and friends.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, Pearl and Edward Garrigan, brother Kenneth Garrigan, sister Delores Garrigan, and grandson Benjamin Rueger.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday March 16, 2023. Friends and family may visit from 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday March 15, 2023 and from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial Locust Hill Cemetery.