Mrs. Martha Louise Rudd

March 19, 1930 - December 18, 2018

Mrs. Martha Louise Rudd, 88 of Peoria, IL transitioned from this life to her heavenly home at 8:17 pm on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home surrounded by her family. Martha was born on March 19, 1930 in Memphis, TN to Jennie Dewitte (Edgerton) Pryor and James Lee Jackson. She was a 1948 graduate of Woodruff High School. Martha married the love of her life, Fred Marcellus Rudd on January 2, 1949 and to that union 10 children were born. They were married 65 years at the time of his death on March 20, 2014. Martha worked at the U. S. Post Office for a number of years before going to Caterpillar where she later retired in 1990 after 19 years of service. After retiring she worked part-time for Senior Strength Agency of Peoria. She also graduated from Illinois Central College with an Associates Degree in Business while maintaining a 4.0 grade point average and Dean’s List status. Martha was a faithful and long-time member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church where she served on deaconess board, choir and women’s auxiliary under the leadership of Pastor Alphonso Lyons, Jr. She enjoyed bowling earlier in her life and solving crossword puzzles. She loved playing bid wiz and spending time with her family. Martha leaves to cherish her most precious memories eight daughters, Linda Turner, Brenda Cayson, Marcia (Lee) Lowe, Theresa (Kenneth) Gloster and Vanessa Peters all of Peoria, Pamela (Kenneth) Washington of DeSoto, TX, Sharon (Michael) Collins of Henderson, NV and Laurie (Lloyd) Thompson of Matteson, IL; two sons, Fred (Tamika) Rudd, III and Frank (Brenda) Rudd both of Peoria; 21 grandchildren; 29 great grandchildren; 4 great-greatgrandchildren; a special cousin, Charlie (Loretta) Simpson; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is also preceded in death by her parents; one son, James L. Rudd; one grandson Willie Riley and one great granddaughter, Ke’Ashia Edwards. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Mt. Zion M. B. Church with a visitation beginning at 10 am. Pastor Alphonso Lyons, Jr., will officiate. Martha will be laid to rest at Camp Butler National Cemetery along side her husband, Fred Rudd. Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion M. B. Church. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.