Thelma Jean Rudd, 85, of Rochester, went home to be with the Lord and her family at 12:10 AM, Tuesday, February 3, 2018 at Hickory Creek of Rochester.  This followed a long and valiant battle with Alzheimer's.

In Silver Lake, on May 9, 1932, Thelma Jean Howard was born.  She was a treasured daughter of  Ossie and Dora Craft Howard. Growing up she shared her childhood with four brothers and three sisters.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of 2 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-granddaughter.

In Silver Lake, Thelma and James G. Rudd were married on May 8, 1949.  They shared 65 years of life's adventures. From their union came four wonderful children: Dennis, Larry, Linda and Roger.

A lifelong resident of Rochester, Thelma was a revered hairdresser for many years giving her customers trending hairstyles from her Main Street Shop the Latin Quarter.  She was an avid member of the Fulton County Hairdressers Association.  Thelma was a devoted member of the Eastern Star holding many offices including Grand Worthy Matron and District Deputy.  She was a loyal member of the First Christian Church for decades.

On September 4, 2016,  Grandma Thelma achieved a rare gift of 5 living generations with the birth of her great-great-granddaughter  Bella. She enjoyed many things in life including gardening and traveling.  Her favorite destinations were Dallas, TX with a trip highlight of watching America's football team, the Cowboys and  Memphis, TN to see Graceland.  Thelma was a big sports enthusiast cheering for the Cowboys, Notre Dame, the Cubs and our very own Rochester Zebras.  She enjoyed cooking and baking and was well known for her cookies and cornbread.  Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends.

Left to cherish Thelma's memory are  two sons: Larry Rudd and Dennis Rudd both of Rochester; two grandchildren: Laura Whitenight and husband Donn and Joshua Rudd; three great-grandchildren: Dakota, Cherokee and Cheyenne Whitenight; a great-great-granddaughter Bella Whitenight;  a sister, Eileen Davis and husband John; three brothers: Harold Howard and  Paul Howard both of Rochester and Carl Howard of Macy.

Preceding Thelma in death are her parents O.C. and Dora Howard; husband Jim on June 18, 2014;  a daughter, Linda Rudd in 1995; and son Roger Rudd in 2015; a brother, Junior Bailey; two sistersa: Finette Rudd, Betty Miller; her in-laws C.L. and Esther Rudd,;five brothers-in-law: Don Koontzal, Cecil Rudd, Butch Miller, C.L. Rudd Jr., Hurndon Rudd; four sisters-in-law: Verda Koontzal, Nancy Howard, Jan Rudd and Phyllis Howard; and a daughter-in-law Josefina Rudd

Pastor Mike VanHeyningen will officiate servcies. Royal Center Eastern Star Chapter  #375  will conduct memorial services will be at 1:45 PM.  Interment will be in the Athens Cemetery.