Sanford, Evlyn

Evlyn Jane Rudisill Sanford, age 92, passed away Sunday, January 9 at St. Joseph of the Pines at Pine Knoll in Southern Pines, NC. Jane was born September 4, 1918 to Martha and Jacob Rudisill in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from Hood College in Maryland. Her children were born in the Harrisburg, PA area, but the family then moved to Warren and Oil City, PA. She began her career as a substitute music teacher and as the church choir director. When her children were older, she taught English full-time and had the honor of teaching her son in 7th grade. She retired from teaching after many years as the senior English teacher in Falls Church, Va. One of her students continued to exchange Christmas cards with her, 35 years after graduation. In her retirement in Whispering Pines among many activities, Jane volunteered at the hospital taking pictures of newborn babies. She worked on her golf game and sang with local choral groups. Most of all, she delighted in being a grandmother – playing dolls, dress-up, splashing in the lake, and exercise videos. More recently she enjoyed the antics of her four great-grandchildren and their endless energy. For the last decade her attention was focused on caring for her husband of 68 years, Edward Rutledge “Rut” Sanford. She is survived by her son, Timothy Rutledge Sanford and wife Peggy of Durham; granddaughters Rebecca Sanford DeRousie and husband Jason of Durham, Lacey Harrison and husband J.T. of Thomasville, GA, Katherine Rutledge Sanford of Ketchum, Idaho; and great-grandchildren Hayden and Eliza DeRousie and Jay and Charlotte Harrison. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; a brother and two sisters; and her daughter, Martha Jane DeLong. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 15, at 2:00 at St. Joseph of the Pines, Pine Knoll Chapel in Southern Pines. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 3101 Industrial Dr., Suite 210, Raleigh, NC 27609, or the Boy Scouts of America, National Council, P.O. Box 152079, Irving, TX 75015-2079.