Shirley Mae Rudesill, age 78, of Gresham, passed away at her home on Saturday, June 17, 2017. Shirley was born in the Town of Red Springs on May 13, 1939, daughter of the late Myron “Pudge” and Lillian (Mohawk) Welch. On June 22, 1963 Shirley was united in marriage to Henry Rudesill, Henry preceded her in death on February 20, 2017. Shirley worked for the Stockbrige-Munsee Tribe for most of her life including many years as a teacher in the Head Start program. In her free time she enjoyed gardening, doing beadwork, and knitting hats. Her family was always the most important part of her life and she cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren.
Shirley is survived by: six children, Bernard Rudesill, Lillian (David) Beilke, Linda (Tom) Rudesill, Leatha (Raymond) Liebe, Henry (Judy) Rudesill, Jr., and Kenneth (Abbey) Rudesill; 11 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and siblings, Kenny Welch, Keith Welch, Kirby (Bonnie) Welch, and Sue (Lee) Miller. She is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Shirley was preceded in death by: her husband, Henry “Hank” Rudesill, Sr.; a grandson Billy; her parents; one of her closest friends, Joyce; and siblings, Sharon, Genevieve, Opal, and Kathleen.
A memorial service for Shirley will be held at 3:00pm on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the Stockbridge-Munsee Elderly Center. Rev. Scott Ludford will officiate. Inurnment will be in Red Springs Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the elderly center on Friday from 1:00pm until the time of the service.