Tracy Jill Rudder

Tracy Jill Rudder, known affectionately as Tracy to her friends and family, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2025, in Dothan, Alabama, at the age of 65. Born on January 30, 1960, in Texas, Tracy was a spirited and vibrant soul who brought joy and color to the lives of those around her.

Tracy's early years were spent in the Lone Star State, but she moved to Dothan at a young age, where she would eventually become a cherished member of the community. She attended Dothan High School, where she formed lasting friendships and developed a love for learning. Tracy's academic journey continued at the University of Montevallo, where she pursued her interests passionately. Her quest for knowledge led her back to her Texas roots, where she earned a Bachelor's in Psychology from Texas Women's University in 2007. Tracy's dedication to her studies was a testament to her tenacious spirit.

After her academic pursuits, Tracy returned to Dothan, where she became known for her unique and creative hobbies. She had a particular talent for crafts, often spending hours meticulously creating beautiful door wreaths and windchimes that would bring a smile to anyone's face. Her creations were not just decorations but expressions of her personality—hardheaded, peculiar, and bullheaded in the best of ways. Tracy's crafts were a reflection of her determination to bring beauty into the world, despite any challenges she faced.

Tracy's indomitable spirit was matched only by her deep and abiding friendships. She is survived by her very close friends, Ken Carr, Mary Craft, and Lynn Stokes who stood by her through thick and thin. Their bond was a testament to Tracy's ability to form meaningful and lasting connections with those she held dear. She is also survived by her brother in law, Joe Ford and her niece, Haley Ford. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Ruth Rudder, who instilled in her the values of resilience and independence that she carried throughout her life. She also is preceded in death by her sister, Leslie Ford.

Tracy's presence in Dothan was a beacon of creativity and strength. Her friends and family will remember her for her unwavering determination, her unique approach to life, and the joy she found in the simple act of making something beautiful with her own two hands. Her legacy will live on in the memories she has left behind and in the impact she had on her community.

As we say goodbye to Tracy Jill Rudder, we celebrate a life lived with passion and perseverance. Her story is one of a journey filled with learning, creativity, and friendship. Tracy's life reminds us all to embrace our peculiarities, to be bullheaded in pursuit of our dreams, and to cherish the bonds we form along the way.

Tracy's departure from this world leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her spirit will continue to inspire those who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will be cherished forever in the hearts of her friends and all who were fortunate enough to cross paths with her.