Audrey Jean Gedney, 94, peacefully left this life Friday, September 18, 2015, at Smith County Memorial Hospital Long Term Care.
Jean, as she was known all her life, was born in Elbert County Colorado, to Earl H. Rhudy and Flora (Hoover) Rhudy. Raised on the Rhudy Ranch with brothers John and Derald, and sister Joy. She attended Elbert School, graduating high school in 1936. She left the ranch to work as a nurse’s aide in Colorado Springs. Jean met the love of her life when introduced to Irwin by mutual friends. Irwin had left his folks in Bellaire Ks to find employment in Colorado Springs. An only child, Irwin had no real experience with “family”, but Jean soon took him to meet her family where he was welcomed by them, which included a large extended family. Jean and Irwin were married November 3, 1940, at the Rhudy Ranch and made their home in Colorado Springs. When Irwin was called to serve his country, Jean, expecting their first child, returned to the ranch to live. Upon Irwin’s return from the war, the family moved to Manitou Springs, where Irwin worked for Railway Express. They moved once again, this time to the farm outside Gaylord, which Irwin inherited from his uncle, Dick Gedney. It was at this farm, along side her husband, Jean established herself as a farm wife and homemaker. Though homesick for family and her beloved Rocky Mountains, she put all the skills she had learned from her mother to work with her usual determination. The people of Gaylord welcomed the young couple and family, making them feel a part of the community. For Jean, long lasting friendships were soon established. Soon, Michael and Melissa joined the family and she was busy raising children. The farm became self-sufficient, as Jean canned or froze the produce from her always bountiful garden and the fruit from Irwin’s orchard. Meat and poultry were raised and filled her freezer. Jean loved to cook and bake, and her meal tables were always full of wonderful dishes.
Jean loved her flowers and would take the time to work in the flower beds to keep them beautiful. The altar at her church was graced by her lovely bouquets for many years.
Though busy with farm life, Jean and Irwin were actively involved in all of their children’s activities, whether it be church, school, or community. She spent hours on the road taking carloads of kids to various events. She dearly loved basketball and tended to be a pretty vocal spectator. Her social life was full as she got involved in her own activities. Jean served her church in many capacities, as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, as a long-term deaconess, as choir member and director. She was active in Legion Auxiliary, EHU/FCCA, and along with Irwin, as a 4-H leader. For many years she was superintendent of the foods department of the Smith County fair. Though busy with her family she always consented to work on committees and continued to do so after her children were gone from home.
Jean’s work in Eastern Star was important to her and she took it seriously. She filled many stations in her own chapter and was honored to be asked to serve one year as a grand officer for the Grand Chapter of Kansas. Her work was always presented with such grace and precision. Traveling to attend Eastern Star and Masonic events all over state was a source of great enjoyment for both Jean and Irwin. They loved to “dress up” in formal attire and spend time with Star and Masonic friends. One such trip took them to London, Wales, and Scotland for a special Masonic event.
Jean lived her life for her family. They were always the primary focus. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Each one of them was a source of great joy.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband Irwin, her parents Earl and Flora, and brother John.
She is survived by son Michael Gedney and wife Rita of Overland Park, KS; two daughters, Donna Muck and husband James of Gaylord, Melissa Freeman and husband Butch of Belen, NM; a brother, Derald Rhudy of Aurora, CO; a sister, Joy Fuchs of Elbert, CO; four grandchildren, Ryan Gedney and wife Jennifer of Kansas City, MO, Jeff Muck of Gaylord, Christine Wester and husband Brian and Becky Freeman all of Albuquerque, NM; and two great granddaughters, Nora and Elise Gedney of Kansas City, MO.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at All Faiths Funeral Chapel, Smith Center, with Pastor Randy Hill officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Wednesday, September 23, 2015 from 8:00 a.m. until service time at the chapel. Burial will be in the Gaylord Cemetery, Gaylord, KS. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be given to the Gaylord Community Church and/or Smith County Long Term Care in care of the chapel.