Virginia Rudnicki
Virginia Dee Rudnicki, born Virginia Dee Wright of Union City, Tennessee on Tuesday, April 5th, 1960, went to be with the Lord on May 8, 2024. Virginia was raised in a Christian family by Carlton Harris Wright (August 4, 1925–June 15, 2008) and LaRue Rankin Wright (91). Virginia accepted Christ as Lord in 1974 under the ministry of Mr. Wayne Doris and Miss Joy Bloodworth, her youth choir instructor and Sunday school teacher in the First Baptist Church of Union City, TN. Virginia continued to grow in her relationship with the Lord and eventually moved to Houston, Texas, where she met the love of her life. She said that when she first met Brian Paul Rudnicki, originally from Buffalo, New York, she knew she was going to marry him, and after six months, she did. Virginia forever became a Rudnicki on August 3rd, 1981.
As an adult and especially as a parent of two children the most important concern for Virginia was the development of her personal faith in Christ and establishing a healthy Christ centered home for her children to do so as well. It was a purposeful decision by her and Brian to raise their children in the ways of the Lord. She understood that she could not force her children to believe in Christ, but was resolved to provide their children with every opportunity to believe, by laying a foundation of daily prayer, Bible study, family devotions, church participation and living lives that showed gratefulness for the mercy & grace Jesus gave to us. She said that if there was something that would hinder her children from following Christ, then that thing would be removed. Sacrifices were made to make sure that every key element was there for Mary and Joseph to have a personal relationship with Christ. This led to the decision to homeschool as part of their ministry to their children.
Virginia was blessed by God with the gift of administration (1Cor 12:28) and disciplined herself to apply it in every endeavor she undertook. She always provided organization, order, and functionality to all aspects of her employment, homeschooling, church, and family life.
Virginia was an entrepreneur in spirit, there was never a task that she was not willing to learn and do her best to perfect. Virginia started “Southern Sewing” in 1987 to combine her enjoyment for quilting with her entrepreneurial heart. She was also pivotal in starting J.R.’s Clock Repair in 2005 to provide antique clock repair and case restoration services to her community which helped families maintain family heirlooms to pass on to following generations. This fit well with Virginia’s appreciation for antiques; she and Brian would often go on “antiquing” adventures. Then in 2020, Virginia started Flora Berry Farm where she specialized in growing and selling cut flowers, farmed organically and chemical free, that were always a favorite attraction at the farmer’s market. People were in awe of the variety and beauty of the flowers that Virginia brought to the market. Virginia was an extremely hard worker who pursued excellence in all that she did in a way to bring honor and glory to her creator.
Virginia stepped into service of the local church in every city or town she lived. At Woodland United Methodist Church of Buffalo NY (1982-1984), Virginia, along with Brian, organized the youth ministry program, leading camps, teaching Bible study, programing events, and building personal relationships. At Glenwood Presbyterian Church (1985-1989) in Glenwood, NY, Virginia, though she lacked experience, volunteered to be the choir director starting with 8 people and eventually grew it into a community choir of over 40 people. This was a ministry that even expanded to reach the city of Buffalo’s outreach to the homeless community. The family then moved to The Baptist Church of Springville, NY (1990-1998). Virginia soon stepped into her gifting and ministry of administration by overseeing the adult care group ministry under Pastor Dan Siems. She also assisted Pastor Dan through planning activities, leadership gatherings, and assisted in family and budget counseling. Here she also organized the children’s choir that started with 3-4 children and grew to about 40. In 1998, the family moved to Dalton, GA and joined Fellowship Bible Church (1998-2020). While at FBC, Virginia was an assistant director of the AWANA program, helped as a Crown Financial budget counselor, led the AWANA teens program, led a month long youth mission trip to northern Africa, was an active participant in the prayer ministry, wrote children’s Sunday school curriculum, and served as care group leaders for nearly fifteen years. In 2020, Brian and Virginia moved to Berry, KY and joined Berry Christian Church. Virginia served as a bookkeeper for the finances and noticed a need for the church to come together in corporate prayer. She was the driving force in initiating the corporate prayer ministry on Sunday afternoons.
Expressing her love for Jesus Christ was her top priority in life but second would be her love and care for her family. When Virginia first learned she was pregnant with their daughter Mary she left her job as an executive secretary and became a full time mom. Tending to the home and children, she saw the need for homeschooling to ensure Mary & Joseph were raised to see Jesus in every subject they were learning.
Virginia was preceded in death by her father on June 15th 2008, her brother Joseph Martin Wright on August 29th, 2008, and her brother in-law Paul Leenaarts on March 23rd, 2011.
She is survived by her mother LaRue Wright, husband Brian Paul Rudnicki, daughter Mary LaRue Hite (Shawn Hite), son Joseph Martin Rudnicki (Jordan Rudnicki), granddaughter Zoe Keifer, grandson Charlie Keifer, grandson Walter Rudnicki, grandson Clayton Rudnicki, grandson Jake Keifer, and grandson Harrison Rudnicki.
A memorial service for Virginia will be held on June 2, 2024, at Community Bible Church, 1413 South Home St., Union City. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. and the service will begin at 2.
Published in The Messenger on 5.29.24