Frankie Gomez Rudd

A beautiful soul has gone to live with her Lord and Savior in Heaven. Frankie Rudd (98) was a talented, smart, and unique lady. She was a natural beauty and was referred to as the prettiest girl in town many times. She loved making her clothes and showing off. With her special talent of sewing, she could look at a dress and recreate it without a pattern. She loved to entertain and set a beautiful table with her many dishes bought with Green Stamps. She had perfected managing a home long before Martha Stewart was known. Every year she canned and preserved the many vegetables grown in the family garden. She turned the kitchen into a science laboratory. Every surface, jar, and lid was disinfected, and no one was allowed to enter the kitchen, which was obvious since she never lost anything she canned. Frankie was an excellent cook who followed the recipe word for word. She specialized in cooking vegetables from her garden, especially turnip greens with cornbread – Clifford’s favorite meal. She loved reading cookbooks and had an extensive collection of cookbooks. Frankie loved grocery shopping at every store in town. She studied the weekly grocery ads to strategize her shopping trips. She knew every price and if the item was truly a bargain. Her freezers and utility room looked like a miniature grocery store. Her organizational skills were displayed in her home in all areas, including cabinets and closets. People often joked that her floors were so clean they could eat off them - maybe because she never allowed the family to wear shoes in the house. After many years, she could no longer maintain a home at the level she desired. Three things never changed: her love for a Whataburger Breakfast taquito, a parking spot in the shade, and a clean trash can.

Frankie met the “love of her life” when she met Clifford Rudd. They married in 1954, and they were devoted to each other until his passing in 1998. She was a city girl and he was a country boy. He taught her how to fish, and she taught him how to dance. She was a good dance teacher since they won a Jitterbug contest at a local club. Clifford and Frankie complemented each other. She cared for the house, and he cared for the yard and the cars. They had two children; Yvonne and Greg who loved her deeply. They instilled high standards in both and witnessed their achievements in many areas. Doing a job right was their motto.

Frankie Gomez Rudd was born December 18, 1925 in Nacogdoches to Frank and Emma Rodrigues Gomez. She was baptized into the Catholic faith and remained a devoted Catholic and member of St. Patrick’s Church for over seventy years. She strongly believed in helping others and encouraged her children to strengthen their Christian faith and help others with their talents and treasures. She was endeared by family, friends, and all who knew her.

Frankie is survived by her loving daughter and son-in-law, Yvonne (Howard) Tomlinson, daughter-in-law, Glenda Rudd Smith; grandchildren, Shana (Ryan)Haines, Ward (Teryn) Tomlinson, Wade Tomlinson, Nathan Rudd, and Trevor Rudd; great-granddaughters, Amy Masi and Avery Tomlinson; special niece, Mary Ann Woodrom. Cherished friends, Teodoro and Maria (Nellie) Vasquez, Johanna and Natalie Vasquez, and her next door angel, Angel Vasquez. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clifford Rudd; son, Greg Rudd; and siblings, Eli Luna, Joseph Luna and Pat Houston.

A special thanks is extended to Mike Stephenson of Hill Plumbing for his continued blessings on her behalf.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the healthcare workers and staff at Hospice in The Pines for their compassionate care during Frankie's final days along with Accent Care Caregivers Mechelle Roberts, Alitha Grissett, Emily Ditsworth, Theresa Synder, Jim Protor, Mary Hill, Fernando Chong, Delbert Chunn, Angela Barton, and the offices of Dr. Santiago and Dr. Kavitha Pinnamaneni.

A Holy Rosary prayer service will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church beginning at 10:00 am on Saturday April 27th with the Liturgy of Word Service to follow immediately after at 10:30 am. The family wishes to invite everyone to a reception at the church after the services have concluded.

Frankie will be laid to rest in a private committal service at Garden of Memories Memorial Park in Lufkin, Texas.

As an expression of sympathy, donations can be made to the following charities:

St Patrick's Catholic Church, 2118 Lowery St, Lufkin, Texas 75901 or Hospice in The Pines, 1504 W. Frank Ave, Lufkin, Texas 75904.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.