Kenneth J. Rudy, age 83, of Marion, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2014 in Marion after a valiant struggle from complications due to a brain tumor he was diagnosed with in 1996.
Kenneth was born in New Philadelphia, Ohio on March 28, 1930, the son of Jay B. and Ida Pearle (Wertz) Rudy. Kenneth attended the New Philadelphia High School and graduated in the class of 1947.
Kenneth began his college career at Case Western University in 1948, he then transferred to the Ohio State University and graduated in June of 1951 with a Bachelor of Science. In the summer of 1952, Kenneth enrolled at the Ohio Northern University Department of Pharmacy.
Kenneth moved to Marion in 1952 and was the managing pharmacist with the Gallaher Drug Company. He served in that position until 1961 when he became very involved with the creation of the Fairpark Shopping Center. It was there that he opened the Fairpark Pharmacy in 1961 and continued there until 1972. In the time between 1961 and 1972 Kenneth, along with his good friend Russ Brooks, owned and operated the Stewart’s Root Beer Stand South and also the West Side Pharmacy. At that point Kenneth choose to “semi-retire” and decided to work for Rink’s Bargain City for one year in 1972.
From 1974 to 1980, Kenneth and his wife Linda originated and operated a sundry wholesale business that covered all of the counties surrounding Marion.
At this point in Kenneth’s life, he decided that he needed a new challenge. So, in 1981 he enrolled himself into the Law School of the Ohio Northern University. It was there that he worked diligently and graduated from law school in only 2 ½ years, even more impressive than that was the fact he passed the law exam on the first attempt. The photo in this obituary was taken of Kenneth the day after he passed his exams, thus the very happy smile. In 1985 he began his law career, serving the Marion community for 10 years until his retirement in 1995. He will forever be remembered for his honesty, integrity and genuineness. Kenneth had much to be proud of.
Perhaps Kenneth’s greatest achievement was marrying the true love of his life and soul mate, Linda J. Portwood. The two were introduced by a mutual friend and the courtship started from there. Together they built their dream home and were married there on February 14, 1974.
In 1996, Kenneth was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The doctors told him that he would never walk, talk or even mow grass. With his sense of determination and a quiet resolve, Kenneth worked hard to prove the doctors wrong and he did. He did all of the things he had always done along with the help of his “right hand” Linda. Together they tackled every task and lived life to the fullest.
He was a lifelong learner and believed in the power of education. In the last 10 years he read over 947 books. He enjoyed keeping up his gardens and tending to his beautiful flowers. He taught himself how to play the piano and enjoyed cooking. He made many candle light dinners that he and Linda enjoyed together.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Linda J. Rudy; Children: Cheryl Rudy of New York and Debra (Joe) Gholson of Prospect; grandchildren: Chief Warrant Officer III Christopher J. (Anlice) Rudy of Georgia, Chip and Nick Gholson of Prospect, Nathan Hobbins of New York, Jade Rudy of Michigan and Dian Guardasoni of Pennsylvania; great grandchildren: Dakota, Nicholas, McKenzie, Brandon, Grant, Dean and Elaina Rudy, Phillip and Ricky Guardasoni, Jonathon Hobbins and Dalana Gusky; 3 nieces, 1 nephew, 2 brother-in-laws and a daughter-in-law Diane (Rodney) Duford of Michigan.
He is preceded in death by his parents, a son Jay B. Rudy, brother Den (Jeanne) Rudy and a dear sister-in-law Cheryl Portwood Everett.
In keeping with Kenneth’s wishes, there will be a graveside service at Marion Cemetery with the date yet to be announced.
If so desired, donations may be made to the Marion Manor Nursing Home, as they continued his excellent care when Linda could not provide it, or the Salvation Army.
Denzer-Farison-Hottinger & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to have been chosen to serve Kenneth’s family and your private condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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