Rufus "Rudy" Hardwick

Rufus “Rudy” Hardwick, 95 years of age, and a resident of Amherst, went home to be his Lord and Savior, whom he accepted into his heart in 2020, September 28, 2022  at Cleveland Clinic in Avon, following a full and meaningful life.

 

He was born August 22, 1927, in Frazer, Kentucky and lived there till 1947 when he moved to Lorain. In 1980, he moved to Amherst where he resided until his passing. 

 

Rufus worked at Freuhauf Trailer and Lorain Products retiring in 1987. Rufus had a great work ethic. He was raised in Kentucky and always enjoyed seeing his family, half siblings, and cousins. Rufus always enjoyed organizing the Shelby Hardwick reunions in Somerset, KY. He loved joking around and making people laugh. Rufus was endearing to everyone.  During his hospitalizations, his nurses always told the family he was "cute". He was a very proud grandpa and great grandpa. He loved gardening and sold his tomatoes to local restaurants.

 

Survivors include his wife of seventy-two years, Hilda Hardwick (nee: Hauser); his children, Susan Cates of Cleburne, Texas, Diane Drew (Jimmy) of Sheffield Village and Gary Hardwick (Karen)  of Elyria; his grandchildren, Jason Drew, Heather Drew-Wilson, Steven Drew and Lisa Drew; his great grandchildren, Makenna, Mitchell, Ava, Lia and Lainey and his brother Glen Hardwick of Dayton.

 

He was preceded in death by his daughter Joyce Wisnieski in 1988; his sister Gertie Smith and infant sister Adele Hardwick; many half sisters and brothers; and his parents Shelby “Shev” and Jessie Hardwick (nee: Carrender).

 

Friends may call Saturday, October 1, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave, Amherst. The Rev. Matt Jones of Broadway Assembly, will officiate. Rebroadcasting of services will be available at www.hempelfuneralhome.com Burial will follow at Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

 

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, ℅ Liver Transplant Fund, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229.

 

For those unable to attend please visit the funeral home's website to share a memory and sign the guest register, www.hempelfuneralhome.com.