Mary "Pati" Rud

Guyton – Mary "Pati" Rud, 70, passed away Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at her home.

Pati was born May 6, 1955 in Albuquerque, New Mexico to John A. & Majorie L. Donaldson.

Her family moved multiple times due to her father working in transportation. The family settled briefly in Charleston, SC and finally in Savannah, GA in the early to mid 1970's. Pati completed high school then moved on to college and eventually joining Dianne Garner as partners in Balloon Bouquets and deliveries. The business was successful and Pati met her future husband, Joel while working there. After selling the business, Pati moved her new family several times until settling in Guyton, GA.

Joel went to work for Gulfstream and part time with the Air National Guard while Pati delivered twin boys, the blessing she always wanted.

She also became a full fledged Military wife when Joel was activated and sent overseas. She claims the house never ran so smoothly and when Joel returned, he left her in charge.

Pati enjoyed traveling and managed to get to Europe twice and traveled the US in an RV going to Idaho to see her son and daughter-in-law. Jon the other twin has moved to New York and seems to be doing fine.  Pati's daughter-in-law had a very loving relationship and treated Pati like her own mother.

Pati spent 19 months in pursuit of a cure for the cancer and finally decided she had enough and dictated to the doctors to get her home. That was accomplished and she had a comfortable home going.

In staying with her desire to help people, Pati has asked that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Guyton Christian Church Memorial Fund and it will be routed to the needy.

She is survived by her husband, Joel O. Rud, Jr.; sons, Jonathon J. Rud and Benjamin J. Rud (Salena); daughter, Rebecca A. Archer; granddaughters, Kayla D. Gibson, Alyssa Morgan, and Charlie Kate Rud; siblings, Yvonne M. Donaldson, Joan C Regier, Margaret Hammond, Laurence V. Donaldson, Maureen G. Snavely, Sherry K. Balkenhol, Linda Rexroad; fathers beloved wife, Yvonne C. Donaldson; and 20 nieces and nephews.

Visitation: 10-11 am Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Guyton Christian Church.

Memorial Service: 11 am Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Guyton Christian Church.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.