Rudy L. Redden, 85, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2018. He was born July 13, 1933, to Hubert and Laurina (Peterson) Redden on the family farm southwest of Gypsum. He married Marie Helmle Dec. 28, 1958, in Garden City. Their son Michael Hubert Redden was born April 19, 1960, and Elizabeth Marie joined the family May 11, 1962.

Rudy was a farmer-rancher and lived his entire life in southeast Saline County near Gypsum. He served as a corporal in Okinawa during 1954-55, discharged duties as unit clerk, and was a member of the Army band. He immersed himself in farm work, music, youth work, and carpentry. He loved his fellow man and was never happier than when he was swapping stories with friends and family. Rudy began the musical youth group, King’s Kids, at Gypsum First Baptist, and together with his faithful wife Marie, taught kids ages 8–18 for over 20 years. He arranged dozens of songs for he and his father and brothers to play in their saxophone quintet over the years. Rudy was known for his ability to connect with people, for he never met a stranger and appreciated the value of every person he met. For the past 20 years, Rudy was an active member of the Gideons and helped to distribute Bibles and New Testaments in hotels and schools throughout the area.

Rudy is survived by: his wife of 59 years, Marie; son, Michael of Gypsum; daughter, Elizabeth Frank (Paul) of Rush, Colo.; grandchildren, Greg Frank (Erica) of Colorado Springs, Jenna Henry (Caleb) of Montrose, Colo., Rebecca Weiland (Joel) of Louisville, Ky., and Eric Frank of Colorado Springs; great-grandchild, Lillian Marie Weiland; brothers, Errol (Loretta) and Galen (Patsy); and sister-in-law, Vivian, all of Gypsum.

He was preceded in death by: his parents; and beloved brother, Warren.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Sunday, July 22, with family present from 5-7 p.m., at Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, July 23, at Gypsum First Baptist Church, with burial to follow in Gypsum City Cemetery.

Memorials to: Gideons, or Gypsum First Baptist Church, in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.

Online condolences: www.ryanmortuary.com.