Virginia D. Rudge

Our beloved Nana, matriarch of five generations and the light of our lives, was taken home by angels November 28 2013.

Born June 28 1918 in a sod house in De Nova, Colorado, Virginia’s early years during the Colorado Dust Bowl fostered an unwavering work ethic, an indomitable spirit and a heart full of unconditional love. After moving to Washington with her family when she was 18, she was eager to finish high school. Instead she cared for her ill mother for two years, then with determination and spunk graduated from Castle Rock High when she was 21. While she longed to continue her education she instead worked to help support her parents and family. With her earnings she bought her mother her first refrigerator, an act of kindness so telling of her humble, selfless and giving nature that would be repeated throughout her lifetime.

Virginia married her life partner Robert L Rudge November 20 1940. After Navy service and the end of World War II they moved to Everett where Bob was employed by and later became a partner in the B & M Food Stores. They moved to the Lake Stevens area when Frontier Village was developed by B & M in 1959. Virginia treasured living on the lake for 42 years surrounded by beautiful vistas, trees and birds, and community friendships. Bob and Virginia loved spending time at their River House on the Kalama River in Cowlitz County that they purchased in 1967, often taking grandchildren and great grandchildren with them. Their generous, kind and honest hearts, their love of nature, and their frugal capacity to fix or recycle nearly anything left an indelible impression and lasting legacy.

Virginia was an exemplary homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, always doing something to help another, especially someone in need. She made a difference in all of the lives she touched. Her sewing skills that began when she was a little girl created beautiful dresses, coats and hats, pillows and crafts for others. She mended and hemmed more items for family and friends than can be counted. She loved entertaining family, setting a lovely table and cooking and serving favorite recipes. She cheerfully produced a seemingly endless amount of delicious Swedish pancakes no matter how quickly they were devoured. She always strived to do her best and had talents in so many areas. She earned the nickname “Mrs. Rummage” helping with sales to benefit Children’s Hospital and especially Trinity Lutheran Church. She found great joy in giving and lived her dream of higher education by encouraging and supporting others, generously paying for sports camps and equipment, music lessons and instruments, art classes, swimming lessons, college tuition and so much more for grandchildren and greats as well as students she never met.

Virginia was pre-deceased by her husband Robert Rudge, her parents Jesse and Ida DeWeese, siblings Beulah, Kenneth, Pearl and Jesse Jr. and daughter-in-law Cindi Yeldell Rudge. She leaves her daughter Barbara Knowles (George), son Ron Rudge (Rene'), 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great-grandchild, her sister Nadine Asbury and devoted nieces and extended family.

Virginia and her family thank Everett Clinic’s Dr. Shilpa Jog, Dr. Grace Buono, and the Partners Program for their excellent and loving care; the Washington Oakes Retirement Community; Providence Hospital’s 8th Floor South staff; the staff of Park Shore Health Care Unit and Hospice in Seattle; and her Trinity Lutheran Church pastors.

Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church, 2324 Lombard Avenue, Everett Washington 98201, to Compass Health, or to the charity of your choice. Virginia requests no flowers, instead suggesting a tree be planted in her memory. Please visit the family's website at evergreen-fh.com to leave personal messages. A Celebration of Life will be held January 10, 2014, 11:00 a.m., at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2324 Lombard Avenue, Everett, Washington.