Iris Yvonne Rudolph

RUDOLPH Iris Yvonne Iris Yvonne Rudolph, of Perrysburg Township, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family, on November 5, 2009. She was born in Mariana, Florida, to Oscar and Bera Mae (Carlile) Whitehurst. She was a graduate of Bay High School in Panama City, Florida, and worked as a dental hygienist and a medical office administrator. Iris married her first husband, Willis Jones, who was killed in World War II over Germany as a B-17 pilot. They had two daughters, Joy Eloise and Jerry Elaine. In 1955, Iris married Philip James Rudolph, Sr., of Perrysburg Township, and had a son; Philip James Rudolph, Jr. Iris was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Stony Ridge, the Toledo Country Club and played in the Ladies 9-Hole League. She also was a member of the Toledo Club, Perrysburg Garden Club, Carranor Hunt and Polo Club, and Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater, Florida. In her spare time, Iris enjoyed playing in two bridge clubs and ladies' bowling league. Iris was a model of classic Southern hospitality, and she raised her three children to be as outgoing, fun loving and friendly as she was. Described by her children as the "life of the party," she went out of her way to make others feel welcome and included. Newcomers to the community were swiftly taken under her wing and introduced to her friends and family. She also delighted in entertaining and cooking at home, honing her skills in culinary art classes. Family members looked forward to her elaborate Thanksgiving dinners, and her beautifully decorated carrot cakes. Flowers were another passion in her life. Iris created award-winning flower arrangements, and carefully tended a large rose garden at her home. Raised in Florida, Iris grew up loving beaches, the ocean and especially sunsets. At home in Perrysburg, she would often persuade her husband, Phil, to drive her from their tree-lined neighborhood to get a clear view of a particularly beautiful sunset. Iris is survived by her loving family: her husband of 54 years, Philip James Rudolph Sr.; children, Joy Eloise (Richard) Wallace of Miami, Florida; Jerry Elaine (Walter, deceased) Wast of Maumee, Ohio and Philip James (Mary Lou) Rudolph Jr., of Perrysburg Township, Ohio; six grandchildren, Kellie Wallace (Ross) Woodward, of Alachua, Florida; Hollie Wallace (Curtis) Richardson, of Conway, Arkansas; Lauri Wast (John) Tillotson, of Chicago, Illinois; Elizabeth Wast (Dirk) Boyles, of Houston, Texas; Caitlin Rudolph; Hunter Rudolph; eight great-grandchildren, Audrey Woodward, Chad Woodward, Leila Richardson, Wyatt Richardson, Carson Richardson, Shea Tillotson, Zane Tillotson, Owen Boyles; brothers, Darrell Whitehurst and Edris Whitehurst; sisters, Anita (Whitehurst) Cutchin and Janice Whitehurst. Iris was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Bera Mae, and brother, Aubrey Whitehurst, as well as her first husband, Willis Jones. Friends will be received on Monday, November 9, 2009, from 2-5 and 6-9 p.m. at Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 E. South Boundary Street, Perrysburg, (419-874-3133) where funeral services will be held Tuesday, November 10, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 or St. John's Lutheran Church; 5520 Fremont Pike, Stony Ridge, Ohio 43463. Condolences may be made online at www.witzlershank.com