In Loving Memory of Lynda Lou Rudd York

The world lost a beautiful soul on Friday, September 11, 2026. Lynda Lou Rudd York was born in Decatur, Texas, on April 11, 1940, to Eula and Lynn Rudd. Lynda grew up in Slidell, Texas, and lived there until she left for college. She received her Bachelor of Science in Home

Economics from North Texas State University in Denton and her Master of Science in Education from Prairie View A&M University.

On New Year’s Eve in 1963, Lynda met the love of her life, James Alexander York, and just 45 days later, on Valentine’s Day, 1964, they were married. When asked why they had such a short engagement, her response was simply, “When you know it’s right, it’s right.” Their marriage was one of pure love, devotion, and respect. Together, they were blessed with two children: a son,

James Prescott “Scott” York, and a daughter, Tiffany Adell York Weiss. The sudden death of her “Jimmie” in January of 1989, came just shy of their 25th wedding anniversary.

Lynda was the epitome of a true lady. Her grace, kindness, and servant’s heart shone like a beacon wherever she went. She was blessed with many God-given talents and generously shared them with everyone she met. Lynda lived life to the fullest and was always quick to share her faith and encourage others to love the Lord. Everyone she met seemed to fall in love with her instantly, as she was simply that kind of person.

Lynda had many hobbies and interests, and after retiring from Somerville ISD in 1998, where she proudly taught two generations of students, she was finally able to enjoy them to the fullest. If she wasn’t traveling the world, she could be found at home sewing wedding gowns, Maifest royalty dresses, trains, and mantles; decorating wedding cakes; doing all kinds of needlework; woodworking; making porcelain dolls; creating stained glass art, practicing calligraphy; or playing Bunco. She and a group of ladies from Somerville were also members of the Red Hat Society. If you ever saw a group of ladies dressed in red and purple, wearing fancy hats, and “cutting up” at a local restaurant, Lynda was probably one of them! She was also gifted at playing the piano and gladly played for her church whenever she was needed. Aside from her many hobbies, Lynda remained very active and held key positions in several professional organizations, including the local chapter of the Texas Retired Teachers Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, an international professional honor society for women educators, and the Order of the Eastern Star.

Nana, as she was affectionately known, truly excelled in the role of grandmother. She loved her grandsons, Kevin, Shawn, and Alex, with everything she had, and they always knew just how deeply they were loved.

Lynda is survived by her sisters, Marcella Zimmerman and Mildred Whitmire; her son, Scott York, and wife Raschel; her daughter, Tiffany Weiss, and husband, Ray; her grandsons, Kevin Weiss, and wife, Taylor; Shawn Weiss, and wife, Allison; and Alex York; her great[1]grandchildren, Sawyer Marburger, Emersyn Weiss, Coleman Weiss, and Graham Weiss. She also leaves behind her nephew, Jeff Whitmire; niece Sandy Whitmire Davis; and great nephew, Michael Whitmire.

Lynda was diagnosed with Primary Progressive Aphasia in the fall of 2021 and faced this horrible disease with incredible grace and faith. Even when she was no longer able to communicate with words, she continued to touch countless lives with her signature smile, a gentle squeeze of the hand, and the beautiful light in her eyes.

Our family is truly grateful for the precious caregivers at Parc at Traditions in Bryan. By her second day there, they had all fallen in love with her. In fact, she became so special to the staff that they affectionately referred to her simply as “Nana.” She was also blessed with an amazing care team from Hospice Brazos Valley. The level of care they provided and the compassion they showed during every visit and phone call were truly a gift to Lynda and our family. We would especially like to recognize her nurse, Baylee, and her volunteer, Belinda “Happy” Rogers, for the love, care, and attention they gave her.

Lynda, “Nana,” will forever be missed and remembered. The love she shared, the lives she touched, and the lessons she taught made this world a better place. Her legacy will live on through the many people who were blessed to know and love her.

Funeral services will be held at Strickland’s Funeral Home in Somerville, Texas, on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 2:30 p.m., with Dr. Craig Dohse officiating. Burial will follow immediately at Oaklawn Cemetery in Somerville.

Serving as Pallbearers are Kevin Weiss, Shawn Weiss, Alex York, Jeff Whitmire, Lloyd Powell, and Russell Bentke.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, or a charity of your choice.