Kathryn Vandevander Ruddle, 92, of Franklin passed away peacefully at her home on April 1, 2025, cared for by her loving family and dedicated caregivers.
Born on July 14, 1932, in Osceola, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Willa (Armentrout) Vandevander.
As a child, Mrs. Ruddle had a special fondness for making mud pies, dressing up her cat, indulging in meringue, and catching fireflies. She often recalled how the fireflies would light up the jars she captured them in, just as she brightened the long roads she walked to get to school in the Sinks of Gandy. She always held the Sinks of Gandy close to her heart, a feeling she kept alive with the song she sang through the years: “Going up Gandy Creek, going up the run, going up to Gandy Creek to have a little fun.”
In her young adult years, she worked as a waitress at Thompson’s, where she had the pleasure of meeting many wonderful people. It was there in December 1949 that she met her future husband, Reed. They married on July 14, 1951, and together built a life and family on the Buffalo Hills Farm in Ruddle, where they lived for nearly 60 years. She worked alongside her husband as the bookkeeper at Ruddle Saw & Equipment, while also nurturing her family and tending to their homestead with unwavering love and devotion.
Her tenacity, first seen in her childhood, remained with her throughout her life. Though some might have called her strong-willed or a bit stubborn, she was a woman of remarkable resolve, always standing her ground. And her sense of humor? That never left her, providing laughter and joy to those around her up until her final days.
A woman of deep faith, she was a long-time member of Ruddle Presbyterian Church, where she was an elder, and served as clerk of session for a time. She will be remembered for her kind heart, her devotion to her family, and her steadfast commitment to her church community.
She is reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, Reed Ruddle, and her siblings — brothers, Paul Jr., Sanford, Boyd, and Harry, and sisters, Wanda Lee, Pauline and Ethel, and her grandson, Joshua Ruddle.
She leaves behind a loving family, including her two daughters, Pamela Miller and husband, Dennis of Broadway, Virginia, and Melissa Weaver and husband, Mike of Brandywine; three sons, Bill Ruddle and wife, Rachel, Eddie (Ed) Ruddle and wife, Kim, all of Franklin, and Mark Ruddle and wife, Tracy of Brandywine. Her enduring legacy lives on through her 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Delbert Vandevander, and his wife, Loretha.
The family expresses deep gratitude to all those who took the time to visit with her, providing her with comfort and love. One’s presence was a blessing. Additionally, the family extends special appreciation to her caregivers, Brenda, Donna, Frankie, Edith, Jennifer, and Cassie, for their unwavering care, compassion, and kindness during this time. Through their devoted care, she experienced the comfort and respect of a queen in her final moments.
Funeral services were held Saturday at the Ruddle Presbyterian Church with Pastor Deborah Beam officiating. Interment followed at Ruddle Church Cemetery.
Those wishing to honor her memory with a memorial donation may do so to Ruddle Presbyterian Church or any Pendleton County Rescue Squad.
Memories of words and comfort may be left at www.basagic.com.
