Elaine Rudder

Rethia Elaine Olgiati Rudder, 78, of Calhoun Falls, wife of Luther V. Rudder, Jr., died Monday, October 21, 2024, at the Abbeville Area Medical Center. She was born in Elberton, GA to the late Arturo and Gladys Jones Olgiati.

Elaine graduated from Calhoun Falls High School. She had a distinguished career in the textile industry, retiring after 47 years of dedicated service from West Point Stevens as a supervisor. Family was Elaine’s greatest treasure. The warmth and kindness she brought into their lives will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege to know her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Sgt. Terry V. Rudder and two sisters, Peggy Joslyn and Toni Sword.

Elaine is survived by her husband of 62 years, Luther, of the home; son, Casey Rudder (Sarah) of Calhoun Falls; daughter, Jerri McDonald (Steve) of Antreville; seven grandchildren, Tierra Rudder, Traci Rudder, Holly Turman (Robert), Brandi Alewine (Garren), Caitlyn Fuller (Andy), Tanner Alewine and Ashley Rivas (Brian); ten great-grandchildren and one on the way; and daughter-in-law, Priscilla Belton Rudder of Calhoun Falls.

The family will receive friends 1:00PM – 2:00PM, Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Harris Funeral Home, Calhoun Falls Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 2:30PM in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Todd Staples and Rev. Jerry Dalton officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

Memorial contributions, in memory of Elaine, may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family is at the home in Calhoun Falls.

A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Calhoun Falls Chapel is assisting the Rudder family.