Roberta Jo Rudy age 92 of Galax, Virginia passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025 in the Landings of Chestnut Grove in Sparta, North Carolina.

She was born in Buena Vista, Virginia on February 13, 1933, to Charles Slicer and Lillian Neal Huddle Groseclose. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Edsel Richard Rudy and a sister Barbara Ann Bell.

Jo Rudy was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother.  She graduated from the University of Virginia as a registered nurse and then married her high school sweetheart, Edsel.  She accompanied him to Germany in 1953 while he was in the Air Force, returning home in 1955.

When her boys were old enough she went back to work, initially at Waddell Hospital for a short while then at Galax General Hospital.  Later, she was the RN for a Galax physician and finally finished her career at Twin County Regional Hospital.

Jo attended First United Methodist Church where for years she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir and was a United Methodist Women's member.  She was also active in the Y's-Menettes and Twin County Region-Antique Automobile Club of America.

She was known for her homemade pizza which was a staple when her teenage boys had friends over.  She enjoyed music, camping and horseback riding.  She provided care for several friends and her own mother and mother-in-law when significant health challenges occurred.  Jo had a full, kind and generous life and was proud of her family.

She is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Greg and Marlene Rudy of Galax, Virginia; Charles and Sarah Rudy of Sparta, North Carolina; Joel Rudy and Florence Robertson-Rudy of Galax, Virginia; grandson and wife Lucas and Bailey Rudy of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 12th at 10:00 AM in the Vaughan-Guynn Chapel with the Rev. Richard Gregory officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethany Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday, August 11th from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers and food, the kindness from friends might instead be a memorial donation to St. Jude Hospital for Children or a charity of choice.