Naomi Rudd, of Valparaiso passed away on Sunday, May 13, 2018 after a battle with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Naomi is proceeded in death by her parents, Henry and Ida Rowe of North Judson, IN and sisters, Tressie Jordan, Ivory Fugate, Alberta Minix and Hester Rowe; Brothers Aaron Rowe, Mike Rowe, and Abe Rowe. Also preceding her in death is her precious son, James Leonard Rudd in 2014. On August 17, 1963 she was united in marriage to J. Rodney Rudd in Denham, IN, who survives. A loving mother and grandmother, she is also survived by her children, Keith Rudd of Atlanta, GA, and daughters, Shellie (Jim Bob) Humes of Knox, Amy (Jim) Percifield of Valparaiso, and Leigh Anne (Mike) Bolinger of Valparaiso. She had 17 grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Naomi has lived in the Portage-Valparaiso area since 1991 when her husband became Pastor of Grace Baptist Church in Portage. They faithfully served the congregation there until their retirement in 2004. Prior to that, they served at Calvary Baptist Church in Knox from 1975 until 1991. She was also known for her musical abilities, singing and writing songs for her family group, The Rudds. The Rudds traveled locally and throughout the United States singing in churches, festivals and community events. Her songs have had national radio AirPlay and have been recorded nationally by many groups in the industry and her own family group as well. Friends may call on Tuesday, May 15, 2018 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at EDMONDS & EVANS FUNERAL HOME, 6941 Central Avenue, Portage, IN 46368. Funeral services will be held at Real Life Community Church of the Nazarene, 3134 Swanson Road in Portage on Wednesday, May 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Internment will follow at Heritage Cemetery in Portage. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations in Naomi's honor be made to VNA Hospice, 2401 Valley Dr., Valparaiso, IN 46383.

Published in The Times on May 15, 2018