Memorial
Mary Rudish Null, a child of God, went home to be with Jesus and her loved ones on February 13, 2015 at Hallmar at Mercy, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Surviving to honor Mary’s memory is her daughter, Marie A. Read; four grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
Mary was born March 12, 1920 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa the daughter of George Rudish and Rose Pospisil Rudish. Mary lived in the Marion area for all of her life, except for a brief period of time, during WWII when she traveled to New Jersey and California to be near her husband, Marvin, until he was sent overseas to serve in the U.S. Army in the European Theater. Mary returned home to the farm, taking care of her mother and grandmother and helping them farm during WWII. She also worked in the inventory department at Wilson and Co. during the war.
Mary put her faith and trust in God, believed in living simply, and working hard. She was a good steward of the land and took the utmost care of her livestock. She planted many pine and cedar trees with the help of her grandsons, and together they watched them grow. Mary farmed organically before it was in vogue. Her garden and fruit trees were always bountiful, and she never wasted any aspect of her harvest. Mary’s flower gardens were radiant with beauty from spring to fall.
Mary watched nature unfold, watched the earth awaken, saw the woodlands carpeted with Bluebells, hunted for mushrooms in the spring, and delighted in the fragrance of newly-mown alfalfa and red clover, and looked forward to cooking for family, friends, and neighbors when they came to bale hay. It was a celebration of community and of the harvest. Mary will be remembered for being an excellent cook, baker, and hostess.
Mary taught Sunday School for many years at the First United Methodist Church in Marion. She was a Blue Bird, Campfire, and Cub Scout leader. Mary enjoyed listening to the Iowa Hawkeye Football and Basketball games on the radio, cheering the Hawks on, always being optimistic in their ability to win. She was a true and loyal fan.
Mary enjoyed musical theater productions at Hancher, and traveled with her daughter to many countries in Europe, and especially enjoyed the Czech Republic where her grandmother came from. She enjoyed traveling to Alaska and traveling by train across Canada to Vancouver.
Mary’s greatest love was her family, she watched them grow and blossom. Mary will be greatly missed, forever loved, and her memory will remain in our hearts forever.
Rest in Peace, until we meet again.
“The Pasture”
I'm going out to clean the pasture spring;
I'll only stop to rake the leaves away
(And wait to watch the water clear, I may):
I sha'n't be gone long.—You come too.
I'm going out to fetch the little calf
That's standing by the mother. It's so young,
It totters when she licks it with her tongue.
I sha'n't be gone long.—You come too.
(
North of Boston, by Robert Frost 1915)
A private memorial service was held for Mary on February 16, 2015 at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. A private celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be given in Mary’s name to the National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Hallmar at Mercy and Mercy Hospice for the love and compassionate care given to Mary.