Rosalie Rubright, born on May 21, 1938, in Freeport, Illinois to Harry and Floreda Runge, passed away peacefully on December 21, 2025, in Port Orange, Florida, surrounded by her loving family.  Rosalie walked her own path with courage, conviction, and a contagious sense of humor. From a young age, Rosalie proved herself a survivor, overcoming childhood peritonitis and the aftermath of a severe car accident as a teenager. As a young girl, Rosalie was defined by her outspoken nature and two great loves: her horse, Thunder, and her childhood sweetheart, Carl. She famously rode her horse every day in rain, sleet, and snow; riding off early in the morning was a convenient strategy for avoiding chores at home.  In 1955, she married Carl, marking the beginning of a 70–year journey of partnership. Together, they raised three children: Kimberly, Gary, and Carl Lee III. After years of building "Rubright's Disposal Company" in Peoria, Illinois, they embarked on a new adventure in 1976, moving to Florida after purchasing "Oceanside Cottages" in Daytona Beach Shores. In later years, Rosalie enjoyed the change of pace on the open road, occasionally joining Carl in his Freightliner truck on long hauls until his retirement in 2010.
Rosalie is preceded in death by her Parents, Brother Virgil Runge, Sister Gail Boneschans, and her beloved Grandson Christopher R. Rubright. She is survived by her husband Carl Jr, daughter Kimberly Rubright of Port Orange, Son Gary Rubright of Port Orange, Carl Rubright III of South Daytona, Sisters, Char Runge of New Smyrna Beach, Florida, Katherine Seymour of Poplar Grove, Illinois, Marlene of Caledonia, Illinois, and brother, Butch Runge of Rochelle, Illinois. Her legacy of grit, quick wit, and humor lives through her husband Carl, her three children, three grandsons, and nine great-grandchildren.  The Rubright family has entrusted their care to Lohman Funeral Home in Port Orange during this difficult time. Family and Friends are invited to attend a graveside service on January 21, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Woodland Cemetery, located at 399 Orange Avenue, Port Orange, Florida. To honor Rosalie's lifelong passion for animals, the family requests donations be made to your favorite animal rescue in place of flowers.