Robert Lester Rulong, 73, died Aug. 25, 2017 at Woodland Hospice. Bob was born Dec. 15, 1943 in Wheeling, W.Va. to Lester and Betty Zane (Jefferson) Rulong and raised in Moundsville, W.Va.
 
Bob met his wife of more than 50 years, Betty Jo Prewitt at Alderson-Broaddus College in Philippi, W. Va. And they were married Nov. 26, 1966 in Williamstown, N.J. 

After graduating from Alderson-Broadus, Bob accepted the Student Union Director position at his alma mater. He then started his development career at Alma College before moving to Bridgewater College in Virginia as Director of Development. 

In 1977 Bob was named Associate Vice President of Development at Central Michigan University, the start of what was to become the University Relations division. After 26 years, Bob retired with Emeritus status. He was often recognized state-wide for his appearances on WCMU-TV and Radio during the stations’ fund raising drives. After his retirement at CMU, he accepted the position of Vice President for Community Relations at Central Michigan  Community Hospital (now McLaren Central Michigan). 

Bob was a 40-year member of The First United Methodist Church of Mount Pleasant and served as Worship Committee Chair. He also assisted with the FUMC Boy Scout program. 

He was a past member of the following organizations: Art Reach of Mid Michigan trustee, Detroit Tigers Mayo Smith Society, Isabella County Habitat for Humanity, Mount Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce board member and chair, McLaren Central Michigan Foundation board of directors, Pardee Cancer Foundation of Isabella County, Special Olympics Michigan and the Woodland Hospice board of directors. He also was active with the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe activities. 

Bob’s hobbies included collecting records/CDs and sports memorabilia. His music collection featured a large library of many musical genres. He provided music to many people in the area for special occasion events. In 1969 Bob arranged a visit by Jackie Robinson to Alderson-Broadus, which lead him to a deep interest in the Negro Baseball Leagues. He produced a museum exhibit that was used at the Midland Historical Society, the Public Museum of Grand Rapids and the CMU Center for Cultural and Natural History. He was the featured speaker at several historical societies, service clubs and CMU classes with his knowledge of the Negro Baseball Leagues. 

Bob remained active until recently. He was on the Alderson-Broadus University Alumni Council, The A-B Battlers Society and Lambda Omega Mu Fraternity. He formerly served as Four Freshmen Society State Director, The Mid-Michigan Community College Foundation Board and MMCC Ambassador and The Country Music Association. He was a proud member of The Mount Pleasant Rotary Club.
 
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, and his son Jeffery who died in 2011. 

He is survived by his beloved wife Betty Jo: daughter Holly (Rulong) Campbell and his grandchildren Conner, Abigail, Zoe and Rory Campbell, and Madison Rulong. Also surviving is Betty's family: June and John Mosher, their children and spouses, and their grandchildren

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