Lavona was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma in 1931, and grew up in Ponca City and Lake
Charles, Louisiana. She passed away on February 21st, 2024. She graduated from Southwest
Louisiana with a Home Economics degree. She had many jobs and a few careers through the arc
of her life, teacher, home demonstration agent for a utility company, but settled into retail
positions. Eventually combining her love of quilting with a retail sales and instructor role at a
quilt shop in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
She married her late husband Royston Rudolph in 1953. They were married over 70 years and
lived in Louisiana and North Carolina, before settling in Georgia to raise a
their family. She lived in Maryland while her youngest child finished high school and two years
of college. She and Royston moved back to Georgia for the rest of their lives. She belonged to
many churches throughout her life, considering them an extension of her family and taking an
active role at each. Among these were Columbia Presbyterian Church, Westminster Presbyterian
Church both in Georgia, and Prince of Peace Presbyterian Church in Maryland.
Lavona, along with quilting, had many other activities throughout her life. Each reflected her
artistic talent and her interest in collecting beautifully crafted items like glass cruets and pottery.
Basket weaving and china painting were two memorable hobbies, but her true love was quilting.
She has left many quilts of all sizes and kinds to be treasured for generations.
Lavona was preceded in death by her husband, parents and four siblings. She is survived by her
children, Jackie Summerville (Scott), David Rudolph (Mary), Mike Rudolph (Karen), and Terry
Rudolph (Julie). She is also survived by seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
On Tuesday the 27th a family graveside service will be at 11:00 am, followed by a memorial
service at 1:00 pm. The memorial service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2208
Main St. E Snellville, GA 30078. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Westminster
Presbyterian Church.
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