Irene K. Rude 76 of Mineral Bluff Georgia peacefully passed away surrounded by her loving family at her home on Saturday August 12, 2023. Irene was born and raised in Plymouth, Indiana.

Irene is survived by her husband of 56 years, Don Rude. Her daughter and son in law Heather and Michael Tammen and her beloved grandsons Cal Pope, and Jeremy Tammen of Blue Ridge. Many nieces and nephews.

Irene had a long career in the managed care /insurance industry that spanned over 30 years where she excelled in numerous positions. She started out as a secretary with John Hancock's Ameri Plan HMO in 1981 and was quickly elevated into several leadership roles overseeing many different departments within the company. After leaving Ameri Plan, in 1990 she served as one of the Directors at Cost Care, Inc. and after many successful years, she was recruited to Tifton, GA the lead the operation as the Director of Contracts for the South Georgia Physician and Hospital Organization (PHO) until she was recruited again returning to Atlanta in the year of 1998 to join the then newly created Georgia Department of Community Health Agency as the Director of the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) providing healthcare benefits for all state employees, retirees, legislative general assembly, public school teachers and personnel. She retired due to health problems in 2003.

Throughout her career journey she helped shape the lives and careers of many along the way.

Irene loved the outdoors, she truly enjoyed spending her days at lake Fontana with her family at their lake house, swimming, fishing, and boating. Irene loved life, she had infectious laughter, when she laughed the world laughed with her.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents Jay and Beulah Daugherty, two sisters Imogene Daugherty and Loraine Richardson, and her beloved nephew Mark Richardson.

A celebration of life will be held in the fall to honor of Irene.

Akins-Cobb Funerals & Cremations of Blue Ridge is in charge of these arrangements.