Kay “Kiyoko” Rhudy

Kay Rhudy passed away peacefully on Friday, April 30 surrounded by the love of her family. She was 95.

Kay “Kiyoko” Rhudy, was the beloved wife of Captain Carl E. Rhudy, USN, (Ret.) for 65 years.  She was his Pillar of Strength and he was her North Star.

She will be missed and lovingly remembered by her daughter Donna, granddaughter Jennifer and husband Daniel, great grandson Hudson Carl and numerous extended family members and friends. She was unfailingly generous, kind and warm to all who knew her.

She was born in 1926 and raised in Nagano, Japan.  Kay was set on a path at an early age to take over the family fireworks business, a dream of her father’s since the loss of her four brothers in WWII. That path changed course in 1955 when she met the love of her life, a young American sailor. In 1958, she left Japan for America where her new life began as a devoted U.S. Navy wife for the next 40 years. She managed the family relocations overseas and across the U.S. over 20 times in support of her husband’s numerous tours of duty during the Vietnam and Persian Gulf War eras. After retirement from the Navy in 1993, she and her husband moved to Lake Ridge, VA for the next 20 years. Following the passing of her beloved husband, Kay chose Arlington, VA as her final home.

Standing only 4 feet 10 inches tall, family and friends say that Kay was the strongest woman they ever knew. She was fearless and bold. An accountant by trade, Kay was also an athlete, dancer, painter, sculptor, designer, dressmaker, furniture maker and above all, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Kay’s life in the service of others, being true to herself and spreading joy wherever she went is her legacy.

Kay will be laid to rest with her husband during a private ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery.