MEEKER | John and Nancy Ruder of Meeker are this week’s “home of” honorees. John has lived here since 1986. Nancy moved here in 1997. John and Nancy celebrated their 13th wedding anniversary Nov. 24.
John is the line foreman for White River Electric Association. Nancy works at Main Street Furniture & Consignments in Meeker.
John has three grown children all of whom live in Meeker: Brent Ruder, wife Peggy and sons Truman, 16, and Colton, 7 months; son Tyson Ruder and daughters Shylo, 6, and Shay, 2; and daughter Mary Mayerle, husband Daniel and children Miranda, 16, and Noah 13. Brent works at Westlands, Peggy works for the county assessor, Tyson is employed by Natural Soda, Mary works at First National Bank of the Rockies and Daniel is a welder.
Nancy has two children. Her son Matthew Sawyer and his wife Jennifer live in Grand Junction. Matthew works at St. Mary’s Hospital. Jennifer attends culinary school at Colorado Mesa University and works as a cook at an Italian restaurant. Nancy’s daughter Alyssa Sawyer lives in Craig and works in the trauma unit at The Memorial Hospital.
The Ruders enjoy gardening and like riding their Harley-Davidson motorcycle.
“Our most memorable trip was to Estes Park. As soon as the weather gets nice we’re out on the bike. John restores furniture and old cars. We also like visit and do things with our kids and grandkids,” Nancy said.
“I like the small town atmosphere of Meeker and the quality of family life. I enjoy living close to my family. I like the summers and the falls here, not the winters even though we haven’t had winter yet this year,” Nancy added.