Patricia Sprague Rudd

Elinor Patricia Sprague Rudd, 77 of Pinson, passed away Sunday, January 15, at home surrounded by her family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Alton Biddle and Mary Elinor Frances Self Sprague, sister Julia Joyce Sprague and brother Alton Biddle Sprague, Jr.

She is survived by her devoted husband of over 53 years Dr. George Ellis Rudd, son George Ellis Rudd, Jr. (Cindy), daughters Julia Sprague Rudd, and Elinor Rebecca Rudd Mauldin (T. Ray). Grandchildren: George E. “Trace” Rudd III; Celia Michaela Rudd; Rachel Elinor Mauldin and Benjamin Rudd Mauldin. Sister in law Peggy Lindsey Sprague; nieces Laura Sprague Crew (Ben) and Jill Sprague Hyers (Cal); three great nieces and a great nephew; many cousins and numerous friends and caregivers who assisted her in her later years.

Born in Birmingham, AL on March 21, 1934, Mrs. Rudd graduated from Ensley High School where she was a cheerleader and lettered in three sports. She went on to graduate from Auburn University (API) with a degree in Elementary Education. She taught school at Bush Elementary in Ensley.

Mrs. Rudd was an active member of Pinson United Methodist Church for 53 years. She taught the Patricia Rudd Friendship Sunday School Class for 47 years and was a member of the Chancel Choir. She enjoyed being the VBS music teacher for years and was active in the United Methodist Women, being a member of the Mary Lou Taylor Bible Study and Faith-In-Action. She served on various church committees including Lay leader, Administrative Council, Parsonage Committee and was a member of the Funseekers Group. She participated in and supported the Alabama Emmaus Community.

She was committed to bettering the Pinson Community in many capacities. As a member of the Lazy Daisy Garden Club she was recognized in 2002 as the club’s longest active gardener. She was a member of the former Pinson Music Study Club. She was active in the Civinettes, school PTA and was integral to the foundation of the library at Pinson Elementary School. Mrs. Rudd also sponsored a yearly award at PVHS recognizing the top female student/athlete.

She was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She was a gracious friend to many and loved caring for others. Among her many interests were her love for cooking, antiques, history, music, travel, Riverwood community and Auburn sports. As a daughter of native Kentuckians, she held a special affection for her Union County friends and relatives.

Visitation will be Thursday evening January 19, 2012 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Pinson United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 20, 2012 at 11:00 at Pinson United Methodist Church. Family will receive friends from 9-11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Marvin’s Chapel Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to the following organizations: Pinson United Methodist Church’s General Budget, P.O. Box 710 Pinson, AL 35126; Camp Sumatanga, 3616 Sumatanga Rd. Gallant, AL 35972-3105; Alabama Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 2273 Birmingham, AL 35201.