Obituary of Mary Rudasill Pankey

Mary Rudasill Pankey, 88, of State College, died Wednesday, August 31, 2016, at Mount Nittany Medical Center, State College. She resided at Foxdale Village. Born March 27, 1928, in Richmond, VA, she was the daughter of the late Luther and Marie Johnson Rudasill, of Woodville, VA, and sister to the late Jane Hopkins and Louise O’Bannon. On August 19, 1950, she married Rev. F. Lawson Pankey, with whom she enjoyed 60 loving years of marriage, residing primarily in Richmond. Mary dedicated years to caring for her husband during his long struggle with Parkinson's Disease until his death in December 2010. A loving mother and grandmother, she is survived by four children, David H. Pankey and his wife, Irene, of Alexandria, VA, Thomas W. Pankey and his wife, Sara, of Oakland, CA, Susan M. Pankey of Burlington, VT and Elizabeth “Libby” Mortensen and her husband, David, of State College; and by six grandchildren and one great-grandson. She was preceded in death by her beloved granddaughter, Erin. Mary will be fondly remembered by family and friends for her many talents and endless generosity. There was always an extra seat at the table for friends, neighbors, nieces, nephews, and others to enjoy her home-baked rolls and chocolate chip cookies. She was an excellent seamstress and knitter and set-aside time to sew clothes and knit beautiful sweaters for her loved ones, and fashion hand-made doll clothes to the delight of her children and grandchildren. Her love of gardening was rewarded both by a beautiful yard and by frequent bouquets of fresh flowers that brightened her home. Mary received a Bachelor’s degree from James Madison University in 1949 and did graduate study in nutrition science and education. She served as Nutrition Educator with the Dairy Council of Central Virginia for six years, including two as Executive Director, and worked over 15 years as a Health Nutritionist for the city of Richmond and the State of Virginia. Mary lived a life of service for others, including as a longtime member of River Road Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, as a teacher, deacon, and active WMU member. She volunteered her time generously to Meals on Wheels, Girl Scouts, and other outreach programs. Throughout her life she was an advocate for human rights and racial justice. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College, PA. Online condolences and signing of the guest book can be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to River Road Church, Baptist, at www.rrcb.org or 8000 River Road, Richmond, VA 23229.