Franklin B Rudd

Franklin Bertrand Rudd, Age 90, passed away suddenly at St. Joseph's Hospital, Friday evening, December 29, 2023.

He was born on November 1, 1933, the 4th son of Bertrand Ethni and Rose Janacek Rudd, in Blatchley, NY, during the Depression where his father was Pastor. Being born into the home of a preacher and farmer, his life was filled with examples of hard work, love and trust in the Lord, who he would serve all his life. When he was 2 1⁄2 years old, the family moved to the farm in Boylston. He attended the VanAuken one room school before going on to the Sandy Creek Central School from which he graduated in 1951.

Upon graduation, Franklin began his career as a full time Dairy Farmer on the family farm. He served his country in the Army from 1956-1958. After discharge from the military, Franklin married his lovely bride, Ruth Naomi Caster on July 5, 1958. Three daughters were born to them, Charlene Suzanne ('59), Dianne Ruth ('61), and Sharon Lee ('63). In October 1958, the barn burned and Franklin & Ruth were very busy finishing their house, building a new barn, milking their cows at the neighbors farm and raising a family! It was their trust in the Lord that carried them through those difficult days. Franklin & Ruth, dedicated Christ followers, have been active throughout the years in several churches. They worshiped for many years at the Pilgrim Holiness Church, Pierrepont Manor where Franklin involved himself in a variety of ways. He was a faithful Sunday School teacher for many, many years. He led music and sang specials for church as well as singing for many weddings and funerals over the years, helped with construction, gave hayrides and bonfires, as well as serving in other ways as needed.

Franklin served on the Sandy Creek Central School Board for 2 terms. He also served the Town of Boylston for many many years as Town Council member, Justice of the Peace and Supervisor. He was a Delegate to the DFA Milk Coop and was awarded the Dairy of Distinction by the NYS Ag and Markets in 1982. Franklin was also an avid Maple Syrup Producer and a member of the NYS Maple Producers Association. He was a member of the New York Farm Bureau. He enjoyed camping and loved the great outdoors. He was a jack of all trades, and able to fix or create about anything! Over the years, he loved working with many young men on the farm, including his grandsons, training them with good work ethic and of course his wit and wisdom! He was always ready for a good prank and enjoyed having a fun time while working hard. He was always quick to smile, think positive and lend a hand.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ruth, 2 daughters, Charlene and Dianne (Rick) Wilson, 2 Grandsons, Lucas (Natasha) Wilson, and their 18 mo old daughter, Evanna Mae (Hobe Sound, FL) and Joshua (Laura) Wilson and their precious daughter on the way, due Jan. 19 (Delaware, OH). He is also survived by his last living sibling of 8, a sister, Faith Buettner, Rochester, NY as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family that Franklin loved and was so proud of!

Calling Hours will be Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 1-2:00 PM at the Holiness Chapel, 5001 US Rt 11, Pierrepont Manor, NY. Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 PM. Funeral dinner to follow at the United Wesleyan Church, 6224 US-11, Sandy Creek, NY. Burial at the Boylston-Sandy Creek Cemetery will be in the spring.

Donations may be made in his honor to the Holiness Chapel Franklin Rudd Memorial Fund (PO Box 795, Pierrepont Manor, NY 13674) for scripture distributions such as World Missionary Press, New Paris, IN and Gideons. His passion was that others know about Christ's gift of salvation.

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