Mary Ellen Owen Rudder, 88, of Danville, passed away at home on February 22, 2018. She was born on March 6, 1929, in Danville, a daughter of the late Thomas Hester Owen and Willie Bray Owen. On April 8, 1950, she married Lew Jefferson “Jeff” Rudder, Sr., who passed away on July 16, 1985. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Faye Owen Moore, and a brother, Thomas Hester Owen, Jr. Mary Ellen attended The Woman’s College in Greensboro, NC. She worked a number of years for Swanson Motor Co and later opened Rudder Ford Tractor with her husband. She was a member of Moffett Memorial Baptist Church where she served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, WMU Director and on several committees. A faithful Baptist, Mary Ellen often worked with the Pittsylvania Baptist Assoc. and served as Associational WMU Director. She served on the Executive Board of The Woman’s Missionary Union of Va. and was a member of The Virginia Baptist General Board from 1982-1986. Mary Ellen served as Assistant Secretary and a member of the Board of Trustees for Virginia Baptist Homes. In 1988, she taught Bible School in Tanzania. She was a charter member of the Luncheon Business and Professional Women’s Club and served as its president in 1976-77. She is survived by four children, Libby Rembold (Mike), Jeff Rudder, Jr. (Nancy), Ellen Wayland (Bob) and Jenny Rudder, six grandchildren John Rembold (Beverly), Elizabeth Barker (Michael), Cameron Rudder Sobanski (Scott), Jenna Rudder, Robert Wayland and Richard Wayland, a sister, Wray Satterfield (Philip), one great-grandson, Cole Rembold and several nieces and nephews. Visitation will be at Townes Funeral Home on Friday, February 23, 2018, from 7:00-8:30 PM. Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 24, 2018, at 2:00 PM at Moffett Memorial Baptist Church with the Reverend Jonathan Hilliard and Reverend Steve Carlton officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park. Thank you to SOVAH Hospice and special caregiver, Annah Young, for their help and dedication during her illness. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Moffett Mission Offering, 1026 North Main St. Danville, VA 24540.