Missie Rudy

Missie Rudy

September 25, 1952 - March 21, 2021

Missie was born September 25, 1952, in Cherry Point, North Carolina to Tom Mason and Carol Smith. Missie spent much of her childhood moving with her family to fulfill Navy assignments her father received as a helicopter pilot. She graduated in 1970 from San Gorgonio High School in San Bernardino, California.

While attending Brigham Young University she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During her senior year she met Frank Edward Rudy. Their first date didn’t conclude until they had talked until 3AM on Missie’s porch. From that point on they were nearly inseparable and were married for time and eternity on August 3, 1974 in the Los Angeles temple.

After Missie and Frank graduated from BYU, they packed their Karmann Ghia along with a puppy and set off for Texas where Missie’s parents had moved and job prospects were good. She and Frank raised their family in Keller, Texas and had three children, Michael, Heather and Erik. Missie’s greatest joy was always being with and serving her children and grandchildren.

Missie developed lifelong friendships in Texas that she and Frank cherish to this day. Missie worked as a substitute teacher for many years both in Texas and later in Utah. After being empty nesters for a year, Missie and Frank decided to move to Utah to be closer to Heather and Erik.

In 1999 they moved to Eagle Mountain, Utah and acquired some land with a country feel that provided the opportunity for Missie to adopt countless animals including French bulldogs, miniature horses, chickens, cats and even some goats. She tamed and beautified the harsh landscape with her love for cottage gardening. Her love for gardens and animals were shadowed in comparison to the love she had for her children and grandchildren. Many days and even entire summers were spent with the grandkids at “Mimi and Poppi’s” home on Rudy Ranch.

Missie and Frank lost Michael at birth and Erik to leukemia in 2008. She always had great faith in God, His plan and her knowledge that families are forever. These were great motivators for her to love life, create friendships, share happiness and cling to the love of her life and forever companion, Frank. She passed away in her home on Sunday after a year-long battle with breast cancer. She died in the ways that she exemplified life - with her arms wrapped around Frank in the last moments of her life.

She will forever be remembered for her selflessness and kindness, as a genuine friend to all and loved by neighbors, friends, and extended family.

Missie was preceded in death by her parents, her sons, Michael and Erik. She is survived by her husband Frank, her daughter Heather (Jordan); her daughter-in-law Emily and 5 grandchildren MaCall, Mason, Campbell, Milo, and Emry.

Missie’s funeral services will be held on Friday, March 26th at 11:00 AM at the LDS chapel on 9475 Mustang Way, Eagle Mountain, UT 84005. A reception will be held from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM that morning. Interment to follow later that day at the American Fork City Cemetery.