“Gene Dudley surprised himself and others by dying today."  That's how Gene always joked he wanted his obituary to begin, which shows he had a sense of humor.  This much-beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away on November 1 following a stroke.

Gene was born January 11, 1935, in Dayton, Washington. Raised in poverty, Gene worked a paper route, harvest, and at the Creamery to help support the family. He attended Central Washington University, and married Rita Rae Rogers in 1957. They settled in Richland, Washington.

Gene was a teacher, school counselor, and coach.  Because of his exuberant personality there was nowhere he could go in the world (literally) where he didn’t run into someone he knew. He and Rita were longtime members at Westside Church, and Gene was also involved in Kiwanis. He tutored, mentored, helped prisoners get their GEDs, and other volunteer activities too numerous to list.  He changed countless lives and will be missed by many, of all ages.  Gene is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rita, three children, and ten grandchildren.  A memorial service will be held on November 15 at 11:00 am at Westside church in Richland.