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Rita Rudisill Obituary
She was born June 15, 1941, in Gastonia, to the late Guy H. Threlkeld Sr, and Gladys Jones of Gastonia. Rita graduated from Frank L. Ashley High School in 1959. She and her family moved to Virginia in 1975. Rita retired in 2007 from Botetourt General District Court in Fincastle, VA.
Rita is survived by husband Jeff; son Jeff Rudisill Jr. and wife Michelle, of Forest, VA; daughter Susan Mitchell and husband Russ, of London, England; daughter Julie Lillard and husband Rick, of Apex, NC; brother Guy Threlkeld Jr and wife Ree of Gas-tonia, NC; niece Susie Threlkeld Hilton and husband Jake of Belmont, NC; and special friend Wanda Mitchell of Daleville, VA. Also 8 grandchildren: Ragan and Lauren Rudisill, Forest, VA; Kevin, David, and Carly Mitchell, London, England; and Abby, Emma, and Jack Lillard, Apex, NC; one great-grandson: Bennett Rudisill, Forest, VA.
Rita was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. She lived by the highest standards, passing through life in a quiet, gentle, and unassuming way. Her love of family, and the kindness and unselfishness she extended to all, will keep her memory alive with those whose lives she touched.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Blue Ridge Oncology Center, Salem, VA, and the Oncology and MICU Units of Lewis Gale Hospital. A special thanks to Oncologist Dr. Mark Kochenderfer for his care, compassion, and concern for Rita and her family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Rader Funeral Home (540-992-1212) in Daleville, VA.
The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service, and a social with light refreshments provided by the Roanoker
Restaurant will follow the service.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Rita Rudisill
Chuck & Carol Sloan
February 18, 2012
Jeff,
We were so sorry to hear of Rita's passing. What a tremendous loss for you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. Your neighbors, Chuck & Carol.
Darren & Jenny Caswell
February 17, 2012
Russ,
You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you, take care.
Ree Threlkeld
February 16, 2012
I will treasure my relationship with Rita forever. More than a sister-in-law, more than a friend, so much more like a sister. My daughter, Susie, will always treasure the memories of such a special aunt. Never a holiday or birthday went by without a wonderful basket from Rita! We had already talked about Christmas fabric for next years' baskets of jelly that she and Jeff prepared for friends. She gave her love so willingly to those who were dear to her! I will miss her, but know she is rejoicing in Heaven with her wonderful dad and all those relatives who have gone before her. God bless her family in Daleville and I, too, Jeff, cannot imagine my life or yours without Rita. Mama T's life will never be the same without her daughter.
Debbie Lankford
February 16, 2012
Jeff, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife, Rita. My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.
margie callahan
February 16, 2012
To Mr. Rudisill and Family:
I am so very sorry for the loss of this greatly loved family matriarch. Michelle has always spoken so affectionately of Mrs. Rudisll and I so enjoyed getting to know you both at Ragan's graduation barbeque.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Affectonally, Margie Callahan
Valerie Smelser
February 16, 2012
Jeff, Julie & family,
I worked with Rita for a few years at General District Court and she talked about her family all the time. My condolences to you all, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Rita was such a beautiful person, she will be missed.
Gloria Rawlinson Malker
February 16, 2012
Ree,Guy,& family,
You have our deepest sympathy for your loss. May God's love keep you strong and upright during this most difficult time. Prayers are lifted for you.
Suzanne Ikenberry & JW Rhoades
February 16, 2012
Memories go back many years as I remember the bread that Rita baked for my parents @ Christmas.I loved Rita and am especially thankful for the long visits we had last year while we tracked Walking Man. She shared proud stories of all of the children and grandchildren who filled her life with so many blessings. All of you are in our prayers. Her love shines on in you! Your longtime neighbors
Lynn Griggs Pollard
February 16, 2012
Susan,
So sorry to hear about your mother. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Melissa Sander Mason
February 16, 2012
Dear Jeff, Julie and family,
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for all of you. Rita was a very special lady and I am thankful to have known her.
Jacqueline Allen
February 16, 2012
Dear Jeff and Family, It was a pleasure to know your gracious and warm Rita. (The first sweet tea I ever had was hers; being from the north, I was almost 40-it was worth the wait!) I can see that her light and love lives on in each of you. My prayers are with you all. Jackie Allen
Jimmy & Lisa (Conner) Garnett
February 16, 2012
Susan and family,
We were so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. We will be praying for you all in the coming days and week.
Jill Cook Thomas
February 16, 2012
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Rudisill family. Rita was always so sweet to me as a child and I will forever see her walking Orchard Lake Drive religiously!
She was a wonderfully strong woman and I know she fought hard. May she be at peace now and I hope all of you are able to find some peace in her passing as well. Find strength and comfort in the good memories and each other.
Lisa Featherngill Brown
February 16, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I have many childhood memories of Mrs. Rudisill and time spent with Susan. I pray that God will provide comfort. She was an amazing lady!
Anne Gilreath
February 16, 2012
Jeff and Family - Our hearts ache so for you. Rita was such a beautiful person in life and her memory will be with us for a long time. May God's strength sustain each of you during this time. Mom (Lydia) is unable to come to Daleville for the service but you will all be in our prayers.
Lovingly,
Anne
Jeff Rudisill
February 16, 2012
She fought a courageous fight, but her body was too fragile. I can't imagine life without Rita.
Her husband, Jeff.
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