Erla M. Rude Obituary (1918 - 2013) - Bloomington, Illinois

Erla M. Rude, 95, formerly of Normal, died at 6:20 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at Heritage Health in El Paso.Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at First Baptist Church, Bloomington, where visitation will be one hour prior to services. The Rev. Adam Davis will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded after services. Private inurnment will be at Park Hill Cemetery, Bloomington at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Bloomington.To express condolences online, please visit www.carmodyflynn.com.She was born October 27, 1918 in Mondovi, WI, daughter of James Earl and Marietta Baker Cook. She was married to Rev. Dr. Arthur E. "Doc" Rude, they married on June 8, 1946 in Eau Claire, WI. He preceded her in death on January 16, 1989. She was also preceded in death by one son, Gary A. Rude in 2011.Surviving are one son, Edwin (Thi Li) Rude of Hollywood, CA; one daughter-in-law, Virginia "Ginny" Rude of Normal; four grandchildren, Catherine Lillig of Chandler, AZ, Christopher Rude of Normal, Melissa Larson of Bloomington and Nicholas (Amy) Rude of Hudson; six great-grandchildren, Amber, James, Reece, Alex, Rylee and Nadia and one sister-in-law, Ruth Johnson of Florida.Erla worked at Gideons International as a secretary in Chicago and later as a teller at Elmhurst National Bank. While working, she also raised her children and maintained her home while "Doc" was pursuing his many degrees.She loved reading and writing and has shared many stories with her family and friends through her writing and correspondence. Erla was also an accomplished organist and pianist.Erla was devoted to the church and its services. She was involved with the American Baptist Women (ABW), where she knitted and crocheted booties and hats for premature babies. After Docs retirement, he and Erla were called to serve in the MAL Program (Minister At Large), where they traveled to minister to congregations in need all over the country.Erla cherished her family. She spoke often of their involvements and accomplishments. Erla will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as "A Rude Lady."