Ann “Anka” V. Rudman – Memory Eternal ✝ Vjecnaja Pamjat

The Clergy, Executive Board, and Members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church express condolences to the family of Ann “Anka” V. Rudman. Memory eternal.

Ann “Anka” V. Rudman

Ann “Anka” V. Rudman, age 92 of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully Sunday, January 16, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted member of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, past president of St. Sava Serbian Sisters’ Circle, supporting member of Karageorge Choir & Historical Society.

Ann was born in Gary, IN and moved to Valparaiso when she married her husband Theodore, a farmer. She was a dedicated mother of seven daughters and grandmother of two. As a woman of many talents, she found the most enjoyment in sewing, baking, cooking, painting and teaching others her crafts. She had a profound love for family, friends and the church, all of which she kept very close to her heart. As a sports enthusiast, you could find her and Ted at Purdue football and basketball games.

She is preceded in death by her husband Theodore Rudman; parents Marko & Bosiljka Vrtikapa; brothers Richard (Polly), Mirko (Jeri), Gordon and Steve (Judy); sisters Olga (Ted) Vukelich, and Dessa (John) Bogosian. Survived by her seven daughters, Jolynn (John Derado), Tami, Kim (Aaron Graves), Danella, Carla (Bodo) Gajevic, Marissa (Ray Rub), and Jennifer Rudman; two grandchildren, Gabriella and Max Gajevic; brother John (Sue) Vrtikapa; and sister Milena (+George) Rudman; dear in-law Maria (+Ken) Dubie; Kumovi Millie (+Pete) Zakula and many nieces, nephews, extended family and cherished friend Florence Stefanovich.

Visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 22, 2022, at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, IN, V. Rev Marko Matic officiating with funeral service immediately following. A private burial will be held. May her memory be eternal.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church Pavilion Fund would be much appreciated – Click now to make a donation at www.saintsava.net/donate on our secure online form. For further information please call Mileva at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel 219-736-5840

Join the discussion 11 Comments

  • Snezana Zubic says:

    Anica Was beautiful person, kind hard-working and funny. I was always very happy to see her. She was genuine and warm and just knew how to say the right thing at the right time. I will miss her terribly. She made this world and definitely our community much better place. Big Loss for Saint Sava Orthodox Church and all of us who had the privilege of knowing her. God bless her soul and give her peace. For life was example for all of us to follow.

  • Lisa Vrtikapa Toth says:

    Rest In Peace my dearest Auntie Annie. I will forever cherish my memories of times spent with you. I know you are with God and once again in the arms of Uncle Ted. I grieve for those you left behind but rejoice for you knowing you are at peace and surrounded by love. Memory eternal.

  • Mary Ann Rothgery says:

    Dearest Kuma Ann,
    I will always remember your beautiful smile, the way you and Kum Ted looked at each other, said each other’s names, so happy thinking of you being reunited. I am so thankful that we are Kumovi forever. Thank you, I love you.
    Memory Eternal,
    Kuma Mary Ann

  • Rita Saar says:

    Ann was someone you always looked forward to seeing. She took the time to talk to you and you felt her present in your conversations. Plus she had a lovely smile and laugh. It is a blessing for me that our lives crossed paths. Prayers for peace for her eternal soul and her family. Rita Saar

  • Beatrice Collis says:

    Dearest Kuma Anka,
    A Kuma is a gift sent from heaven above, bringing wisdom, kindness and never ending love. Our families were blessed to be Kumovi for over 70 years. We will treasure our wonderful memories forever. We rejoice in your reunion with Kum Ted and all those who have gone on before you. May God bring you eternal rest and eternal peace.
    Memory eternal,
    Kuma Bea

  • Sue Vrtkapa says:

    My dear Anka.
    Not only were you my sister in law but also my friend and my adopted sister. The memories of you and your family will live In My heart forever. Word cannot explain the loss I feel but I take great comfort in the fact that you are with God, Ted, and the rest of the family that has gone before you. May your memory be eternal As we always ended our phone calls love you.

  • Ivana Stankovic says:

    She was beautiful and brave women.Vjecnjaja pamjat.Memory Eternal

  • V. Rev. Djuro and p. Anne Krosnjar says:

    Anka’s life was the epitome of motherhood and womanhood that we could all look to and up to. She did everything out of love and with grace. She was eloquent and a humble Christian. She was loving in all her roles, work and kind gestures to all. She was blessed in many ways and in turn blessed so many others with her heart and soul. We give thanks for her path being a part of ours. Her love knew no time nor distance. It was real and always a blessing. Thank you Ann Rudman for all that you were and all that you did.

  • Julie (Phenicie) McEldowney says:

    I am so sorry to hear of Aunt Annie’s passing but grateful to have spent time with her just a few years ago. As she always did, Ann wrapped us in her love and kindness during our visit as we caught up on the previous 15+ years.

    Some of my very best memories of growing up in Valparaiso were spending time at the Rudman house with Uncle Ted, Aunt Annie, and the Rudman girls. As a family, they welcomed us into their home, fed us, let us spend hours in the pool, taught us how to sew, showed us the traditions of Serbian culture, exposed us to farming and livestock, and treated us like we were truly part of the family. Being with the Rudmans was always an adventure.

    I’ll never forget Aunt Annie’s voice from the kitchen as she would talk with Uncle Ted or sitting down with her at the big kitchen table as we talked, sometimes whispered, conspiratorially about my life even though I was in elementary and middle school. When she asked a question, Aunt Annie listened intently and made me feel as if I were the only person in the room and my response really mattered. And if I made her laugh by saying something ridiculous, she would throw her head back and chuckle, embracing my humor, unless she needed to reel me back in. Even then, she did so with love.

    Despite being gone from this earth, Aunt Annie’s legacy lives on, especially through her amazing daughters and grandchildren, and I will continue sharing with my own daughter the stories of this impressive and generous woman who touched my life in so many ways.

    Love and peace to you all.

  • Bobbie Mentzel says:

    Ann was a beautiful person inside and out. Her lovely smile was infectious and her willingness to give of her time and talents was never ending. Her love of sewing was passed on to her daughters and many others. Her participation in 4-H activities and the Porter County Fair was appreciated by many. She will be remembered by the people who admired her.

  • Mahelet Senbetta says:

    Mrs, Rudman welcomed me in her home when her daughter Kimberlee took me home with her. The warm welcome I received from Mrs. Rudman left a lasting impression of her kind and loving personality. I see the love she has for her family in her daughters and how they all pour their love into their niece and nephew whom Kimberlee talks about so proudly and lovingly. I felt like I know the whole family well even though my interaction with them has been limited. I feel blessed for having met Mrs. Rudman and for her precious daughter, my true blue friend Kimberlee. I believe Mrs. Rudman’s legacy will live on through her daughters and grandchildren. May she rest in peace.

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