Nancy Louise Rudolph

As the sounds of Amazing Grace filled her room and surrounded by her children, Nancy L. Rudolph, 90 of Rocky Ford was called to be with the Lord on October 4, 2022. She was born in Denver on August 28, 1932, she was the first child of Frank Russell and Norma Alene (Neal) Miller. Her lifelong friend and brother, Dick, joined the family two years later.

During the economic hardship years of the Great Depression, her father moved the family to his grandfather’s homestead near Karval, Colorado to farm and raise cattle. It was there that Nancy set up roots as a country girl and proclaimed herself to be a bit of a tomboy who loved working and helping her dad outside.

Nancy attended Pride of the Prairie Country School. It was at a young age that she discovered a love of music. After taking a few piano lessons as a child, she learned chords and quickly taught herself how to play songs by ear. The family purchased her very first piano from the local church for $35 and she played on that very same piano for more than 80 years. “Tickling the ivories” was a daily joy for her, and she loved sharing her gift of music with others. Nancy often volunteered her talent playing for the town’s country dances, at church, and for various nursing homes throughout the Valley. She often joked, “She only knew how to play cheatin’ songs”.

Nancy graduated from Rocky Ford High School in 1950. Shortly thereafter, she married Kenneth Rudolph on March 31, 1952. The two made their home in Karval, where they farmed and ranched. Nancy loved farm life, often taking the role of ranch hand. She enjoyed caring for their cattle, especially when it came to helping deliver numerous baby calves.

In 1953, Nancy embarked on her favorite role, that of motherhood. She and Kenny welcomed five children, Janine, Steve, Gary, Patti, and Robbie. At the time, it wasn’t unusual for women to stay home with the children while their husbands worked. But even by standards of the era, Nancy was an exceptional wife and mother. Nancy cared deeply for her family, being a homemaker, tending to their herd of cattle, and all while her husband supported the family as a rancher and long-haul truck driver.

In 1964 the family moved to Rocky Ford where Nancy was active in the community, teaching Sunday school, volunteering as a room mother, helping with 4-H activities, and serving her church.

Nancy had a picture on her wall with a quote, “Just when a woman thinks her work is done, she becomes a grandmother.” Boy did Nancy find great joy in her role as “Grammy”. With eight grandkids and ten great-grandchildren living both near and far, she never missed an opportunity to be part of their lives. Whether it was watching kids after school, attending sporting events, hopping a train to attend a birthday party, or later on calling to read the Rocky Ford Daily Gazette to the adult grandkids, she was an active grandmother. She had a special way of making her house feel like home to all who entered and was well known for making the best toast and tacos. She remembered every important date and loved sending personalized cards. She never missed the chance to get together, chat on the phone, or call the 700 Club asking for prayer for her loved ones during times of need.

Behind those kind eyes, was an avid sports fan. On Sunday afternoons, you could find her cheering on the Broncos (or questioning the refs) and chatting with her grandson about the game day highlights.

Nancy was quite a gal and will be missed by all those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Janine (Terry) Messersmith of Emporia, KS; Patti Young of Rocky Ford; Steve Rudolph of Rocky Ford; Gary Rudolph of Clayton, NM; Robert Rudolph of Rocky Ford; sister-in-law, Shirley Miller of Goodland, KS; grandchildren, Tommy (Laura) Messersmith of Overland Park, KS; Andrew (Ashton) Messersmith of Knoxville, TN; Jason (Jennie) Messersmith of Overland Park, KS; Brian Young of Rocky Ford; Amy (David) Messersmith of Roeland Park, KS; Holli (Quinn) McElwee of Wellington, CO; Heather (Matt) Klein of Windsor, CO; Courtney (T.J.) McEwen of Bowie, TX; great-grandchildren, Jude, Truman, and Fern Messersmith all of Overland Park, KS; Graicelyn, Cooper and Hank Klein of Windsor, CO; Lucy, Frankie and Kadee McElwee of Wellington, CO; Quinn McEwen of Bowie, TX. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Kenneth, brother, Richard Miller.

Graveside service will be Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at the Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford.

Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Arkansas Valley Hospice, PO Box 408, La Junta, CO, 81050 direct or through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.