Obituaries

Sandra Mae Rudd

January 25, 1943 - August 31, 2025

Sandra Mae Rudd of Lakeland, FL passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, after a lengthy illness. Born on January 25, 1943, in Burlington, Wisconsin, Sandra moved with her family to Lakeland in 1952. She was pre-deceased by her parents William and Beryl Ruka and her husband Grady Rudd. She is survived by her sister Marla Summers, daughter Lori Atchley (and companion Sean), and son William “Bill” Rudd (and companion Stacey) all of Lakeland, FL. She is also survived by three grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many friends. She was a born-again Christian, loved camping, playing board and card games with her family and friends, and serving the Lord. She was a member at Scott Lake Baptist Church, although she had been unable to attend for some time due to her declining health. She had a life-long passion for reading and organized several libraries at different local churches. For over two decades she dedicated hundreds of hours volunteering her time at the Florida Baptist Children’s Home library.

Sandra will be most remembered for the kindness, grace, and love she showed to everyone she met and for her witty sense of humor. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.