Rustin, Barbara J. Laduke (Tillapaugh)
COBLESKILL — Barbara J. Rustin, age 72, passed away recently on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, in Lakeland, Fla.
She was born August 16, 1948, in Cobleskill, N.Y., to the late Maynard and Evelyn "Betty" (Karker) Tillapaugh. The granddaughter of former Cobleskill Mayor, Charles M. Karker. She had been a resident and raised her family in Colonie, N.Y., since graduating from
SUNY Cobleskill in 1969. Since 2010, she was a resident of Avon Park, Fla., having married Paul T. Rustin on June 4, 2005. Barbara retired as a secretary from Alexander’s Flowers, UHC, NYOH, and then most recently Rural King in Lake Wales, Fla., since 2017. She enjoyed sunsets, gardening, bowling, cards, community sports, family sports, camping life, friends, and her beloved dog, Heidi.
She was predeceased by her husband Paul in 2016. Barbara is survived by her friends of Avon Park, Fla.; family of Albany, NY; and Cobleskill, NY; daughter Karen La Duke of Clifton Park, NY; son Jeffrey La Duke of Altamont, NY; their father Edward (Joan) La Duke; granddaughters, Lavinia La Duke and Kiera King; brothers-in-law, Irvin (Carm) Rustin of Greenfield Center, NY, Thomas (Dawn) Rustin of Williams, Ariz., and John (Carolyn) Rustin of Pleasantdale, NY; sisters-in-law, Ellen (Paul, deceased) Hughes of Watervliet, NY, Phyllis Angell of Georgia; stepsons, Paul Jr., Wayne and Doug Rustin; step-grandchildren, Wayne and Dillon Rustin; one step-great-granddaughter; aunts, Reba Visscher of Waverly, NY; Lois (David) Beach of Newfield, NY; and many cousins.
The memorial service will be held at Mereness-putnam Funeral Home, 171 Elm St., Cobleskill, NY at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, August 8, with a period of visitation from 2 until 3:30 p.m.
Donations may be made to an organization created to help others who are alone and in need of services: Barbara J Rustin
Foundation; C/o Karen A. Laduke P.O. Box 5286 Albany, NY 12205.
Avon Park, FL.
Arrangements by Stephenson-nelson Funeral Home. stephensonnelsonfh.com A rememberance in Florida will be forthcoming.
Further information and the provision for online condolences may be found at www.merenessputnamfunera lhome.com