October 27, 1935 – March 20, 2023
Joseph Lee Roudebush, born in Noblesville on October 27, 1935, returned home on March 20, 2023. He was the eldest son of Doris and Ruth (Horton) Roudebush. Joe graduated from Noblesville High School and married the love of his life, Laverta (Cox) Roudebush on November 5, 1954.
After high school, Joe served his country in the Army at the height of the Cold War, stationed in West Germany near Munich, from 1958 to 1960. Laverta joined him there and they lived and traveled in Europe for two years. After an honorable discharge, Joe returned to Indiana to begin a long and successful career as a master machinist, first with Reeder & Kline Machine Company, then with Western Electric and Bates Technology. He retired from Bates Technology in 2003.
Joe was a lifelong gardener who loved having produce to share from his annual vegetable garden. In retirement, he became an avid woodworker, even making garden structures. He enjoyed auctions and vintage cars and, having both lived and worked on farms, he loved Farmall tractors.
After retiring, Joe enjoyed gathering with friends for coffee, reading his daily Indianapolis Star, and doing crossword puzzles. Birds always enjoyed trips to his many feeders, which he kept stocked year-round.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Jere Roudebush; and his sister, Janice Roudebush Provence. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years; his daughters, Kathryn Roudebush (Jon Bomberger) of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Amy (Fred) Deaver of Noblesville; sister, Jane Roudebush Adkins of Noblesville; and brother, Jack Roudebush of Leesburg, Fla.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Humane Fort Wayne at humanefw.org/capital-campaign.
A calling will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. on March 30, 2023, with Celebration of Life at 6 p.m. at Randall and Roberts Funeral Center, 1685 Westfield Road, Noblesville.
Condolences: randallroberts.com