Virginia Leanora Becker was born to John Phillip and Marie Sophia Becker on October 20, 1927 in Fresno, California. She passed away, at age 92, on October 22, 2019, in Sacramento, California, after a long battle with ovarian cancer.
Virginia (Ginny) was one of 12 siblings, 6 boys and 6 girls. She was the 10th child born to John and Marie. The family moved from Fresno to Sacramento in 1939, where Ginny made her home for the next 80 years.
Ginny attended Sacramento High School, where she became best friends with Gloria Powell. Gloria would later introduce Ginny to her older brother, Woodrow (Woody) Powell. Ginny and Woody married in 1947 and had five children of their own, William, Sandra, James, Pamela, and John. Woodrow passed away in 1973, leaving Ginny a widow and single mother at the age of 46.
Virginia married the love of her life, Wayland (Pete) Rudkin in 1974. Pete and Ginny enjoyed many adventures in their 45 years together. Whether on picnics, camping, traveling, or raising prize winning iris, they loved sharing these times together. Pete and Ginny were very active in the Sacramento Iris Society and both served as presidents. She was lauded by her neighborhood association for maintaining a beautiful garden, as well as, her decorations during the holidays.
Ginny loved music and dance. She could be seen at the Moose Lodge on Saturday nights dancing a mean foxtrot, lindy hop, swing, and waltz. As mentioned, she enjoyed gardening and was talented at making flower arrangements which she did both professionally and for many family functions. Ginny worked at See's Candies, Cramer's Bakery, The Mini Shop (a local floral and photo shop), Control Data Corporation, and was an excellent cook and homemaker.
Virginia is survived by her loving husband Pete, sons Bill (Billie) and John, daughter Pam (Ron), stepsons Taylor (Judy) and Terrence (Rene), brothers Manuel and Robert, 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many other loving family members. She is also survived by her loving dogs, Sassy and Sonny. Ginny was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marie; her siblings Alex, Phillip, Olga, Minnie, Henry, Emilia, John, Emilie, and Bertha; her husband, Woody; and her children, James and Sandra.
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