LAKELAND, FLORIDA -- Eleanor A. (Mitchell) Rudlaff, 84, of Niles, MI and Dundee, FL, passed away Friday, Feb. 2, 2007, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, Lakeland, Florida.

Eleanor was born May 8, 1922. On September 29, 1940, she married Henry Rudlaff. He preceded her in death on September 8, 1991. She and Henry, working side-by-side, were fruit and dairy farmers in Berrien County until 1961. From 1961 until the mid-80’s, they owned and operated Berrien Center Grocery Store, after which they retired and lived in Niles, spending their winter months in Winter Haven, Florida. She was a member of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, Niles, and attended Lake Wales Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lake Wales, FL in the winter.

Eleanor is survived by two daughters: Lenora (Victor) Cuthbert of Sodus, and Joyce Cuthbert of Lakeland, Florida. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Robert (Mara) Nelson of Collierville, Tennessee, Laura (Steve) Sager of St. Joseph, and Mark (Kris) Nelson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and also eight great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by two sisters: Arlene (Rolland) Radde of Jackson, MI, and Leona (William) Frays of Mendon, MI. Besides her husband, Henry, Mrs. Rudlaff was preceded in death by a sister, Evelyn (Arthur) Elsner in 2002.

Memorials may be made to Lake Wales Lutheran Church, 640 So. Scenic Hwy., Lake Wales, FL 33853, or a Hospice organization of choice.

Cremation has taken place and family services will be held at a later date.