Alice Louise Rudy

Alice Louise Rudy, a resident of Brookdale Littleton in Littleton, Colorado passed away in her sleep on Tuesday morning, November 1, 2016. The fact that this was All Saints Day is probably not a coincidence. Alice turned 104 on October 20th. A Funeral Mass will be held at 9:45 am on Tuesday, November 22 at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church in Affton, Missouri. Interment will follow the mass at 11:15 am at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery, St. Louis County, Missouri. A ""Celebration of Life"" will be held in her honor at Brookdale Littleton Assisted Living on Continental Divide Rd., Littleton, Co. on November 17 at 1:30 PM Alice was affectionately called ""The energizer bunny"" by all who knew her. Many a time that life dealt her a challenge, healthwise, many of us thought, ""this was it"". However, she would surprise us all, by toughing it out, letting that wonderful sense of humor shine through and show us how incredible the human spirit can be. Over the years, life took its toll and little by little, Alice lost most of her ability to function independently. She was confined to a wheelchair and she lost the ability to verbalize what she wanted to say. One thing she did not lose however, was her appreciation of music and her love of dancing. If there was music playing within earshot she would ""shake it!"" You better believe there is a ""Party Goin On Right Now in Heaven!"" Alice enjoyed life, loved her family, appreciated her friendships and had a strong faith in God. She was very much a lady, but don't mess with her because she was Tough! She taught us that Life is worth living even when you can't do what you used to do. Life is a gift, and don't forget it! Alice Louise was born on October 20, 1912 to John and Stella Lankford in Moberly, Missouri. She was the oldest of four children. Alice attended St. Mary's Academy through elementary school, and it was here where she was taught the Piano by the nuns, specifically Sister Bascilica, whom, my mom mentioned had a lot of patience. She graduated from Moberly High School in 1931 and in 1935 the family moved to St. Louis, Mo due to her father John's job with the Wabash Railroad. The family lived on Compton St. in St. Louis for a short time and then moved to Bamburger St. Alice's first job in St. Louis was with the Industrial Bank and Trust Co, which later became the Bank of St. Louis. She started in the Loan Dept. and after 2-3 yrs., Alice became a teller in the Savings Department. This was a challenge for her because she was basically shy. Alice met Courtney Rudy through her cousin Mary Jane Pietrowski, at a family dinner somewhere around 1937. Alice and Courtney went together until he joined the service in 1942. For a few months he was stationed in Denver, Colorado and then he was shipped to England where he was assigned the position of Aerial Photographer. Alice came to Denver while Courtney was stationed there but decided to remain in Denver with her sister Kathleen, who was also stationed in Denver. They shared a house at the corner of Steele Street and Colfax. As far as I know, this house is still there. In fact my daughter works across the street. Alice worked for Sterns-Rogers Manufacturing Co. while living in Denver. Courtney sent many photos home to Alice from his assignments in Germany, France, England and Scotland. These pictures are still in the family. Alice and Courtney became engaged when he came back to the states at the end of the war. Alice moved back to St. Louis around December of 1945. By then her parents had moved to 3636 Bamberger St.. Alice moved back in with them. Alice and Courtney were married on June 15, 1946 in St. Louis, Mo at Resurrection Parish. Her sister, Kathleen was matron of honor and Courtney's brother David was the best man. Stella, Alice's mother, made her dress. The reception was in John and Stella's backyard. Alice and Courtney lived with her parents until early 1949. By this time, Alice and Courtney had three children, Janice, born in 1947 and twins, Jeff and Greg born in 1948. Three kids in diapers! Whoa! When the twins were about 4 mo. old, Courtney was transferred to Farmington, Mo. At that time he was a salesman for Mayrose (Independent Packing Co.). They were both very homesick during this time and came home almost every weekend. They remained in Farmington for 14 months and then around 1950, they moved back to St. Louis and bought their house at 9516 Cloverhurst Dr. in Affton, MO. It was in this house where we grew up. Alice was a great cook and Coke (Courtney) loved to barbecue. Many, many barbecues and entertaining family and friends in their backyard and tiny little kitchen. Alice and Courtney were members of Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church, where there children attended elementary school. Alice belonged to the Sodality and later on as empty nesters, they volunteered with ""Meals on Wheels"". On February 15, 1994, Courtney passed away. Alice remained in the house on Cloverhurst Dr. for one full year. During that time she thought and prayed about whether to stay in St. Louis or move in with her sister, Kathleen in Prescott, Arizona. The decision she made resulted in her moving to Arizona exactly one year to the day that Courtney passed. She lived with her sister, Kathleen for about 7 1/2 yrs. Kathleen loved having her sister back and life was good for awhile. Alice joined a bowling league, took line dancing lessons, joined a poker group, and let me tell you, this group knew how to have a good time. Kathleen and Alice were active in Mi Casa, Su Casa, which is Kathleen loved to entertain so there was always something going on. Kathleen's daughter Kim, moved in with her mother somewhere around 2001 because Kathleen's health was declining. In August of 2002, Alice moved to Littleton, Colorado to live with her daughter, Janice and son in law, Warren. Alice remained with Jan and Warren for eight years. During this time, she got to reaquaint with her family in Colorado, dance at her grandson's wedding, welcome her first great-grandchild into the family, with more to come... nine total; with four great-grandsons in St. Louis and four great-granddaughters and one great-grandson living in Colorado. In 2010 Alice moved into Sterling House Assisted Living (Now called Brookdale Littleton) She remained there until she passed away on November 1, 2016. During this time Alice made a lot of friends and she just had a way of charming you and making people laugh. She impacted all of our lives in so many ways. She was a light in our lives that has gone out. Her son in law, Warren will miss her greatly also, for he and I shared in her care during her last few years. There will never be another ""Alice"", but I will keep her story alive...You can be sure of that! Alice is survived by her three children, Jan Clodius and husband Warren of Littleton, Colorado; Jeff Rudy and Greg Rudy of St. Louis, Missouri; eight grand¬children and nine great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Stella Lankford, brother Jack, sister Kathleen, brother Harold, and Daughter's in law, Patricia Rudy and Melissa Rudy. Memorial contributions may be made to The Peregrine Society, Brookdale Littleton Assisted Living Staff Fund or Honor Hospice of Littleton, Colorado We Love You Mom!