Emily Grace Rudolph
October 27, 1982 - December 31, 2007

"It still hurts five years later to think about the loss of Emily, I wish now that I would have known her better. But I look back on her life and think about what a great person she was. Mike and Amy were so lucky to have a daughter like her. Emily is my inspiration and I want to be just like her! I love you guys."

"I was stunned to hear of Amy Rudolph's death, but then a search for her obit revealed Emily's tragic death. I am deeply saddened to hear this. I am praying for the family for both the losses."

"To the Family of Emily Rudolph, Lyle and Vera would like to express their deepest sympathy in the loss of Emily. She will be missed by all and you are in our prayers."

"As friends of Cloyce and Marcella Rudolph (1963-1969) we wish to extend our condolances to Michael, his family, and extended family, although you may not remember us. The loss of such a beautiful and caring daughter must have devistated her entire family. May your family experience the peace and comfort that can be given only by Jesus Christ during this difficult time. Our prayers are with your family. Michael, what a wonderful and dedicated servant of God she was and her rewards will be greater than can be imagined."

"Mike and Amy, I'm not sure you remember me but I just wanted to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. Words cannot make you feel better, but just know that people do care even if they don't quite know what to say. Remember, God had a reason for this action and try to bring comfort from that."

"Mike, Amy and Family, I just wanted to again express my deepest sympathies. Emily was my dearest friend. She had such a heart for serving people. I do things that remind me of her. I have so many memories of her. My life has been blessed because of her. I am praying for you all. Love Kristi"

"All our love and prayers to Emily's family. It's hard to write through these tears. . . God knows and cares."

"Mike and Amy and family, Emily was so beautifiul and so kind. I have very happy memories of our times together. when we said goodbye to each other in America, she told me we would meet in heaven again for sure. I am so shocked right now, and want you to know that my heart is with you now. much love, Crystal"

"To Mike, Amy, and family - You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Emily was my oldest friend and is in so many of my favorite memories growing up. There are so many things that I do that remind me of her. She had the sweetest smile and was a true servant of God. My life was blessed simply by knowing her. Bradley & Rachael Reeser Shelby, Lily, and Kelsey"

"Amy and Family, I was so sorry to hear about your daughter's death. I read through her obituary and she sounds like a wonderful person. The world lost a special young woman. I received an e-mail from Julie Stauffer that was forwarded to the class of 1977 members. We owe Julie many thanks for being our class historian. At times like this, you need the support of many. And you do have the support of many. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you find comfort in knowing you raised a special daughter. Much love, Tammy Hatfield-Roth"

"Mike and Amy There are just no words to express the grief we feel over your loss. We are continuing to bring you before the Fathers throne.We Pray the Peace that passes all human understanding will keep you minds and hearts in Christ Jesus. We know the Fathers love for you and our love for you as brother and sister in the Lord. We hope to be able to minister to you when you come home. Love, Alma and Bill"

"We were shocked to learn of the death of your precious daughter. May your family experience the peace that only Jesus Christ can give during this difficult time. Our prayers are with your family."

"Amy, Mike and Family - My children and I want you to know that your family is in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. I remember Emily when I was an AWANA leader and Sunday school teacher at Hillcrest. She always had a huge smile and a willingness to help when ever needed. We saw her grow into a beautifull young lady who gave of herself unconditionaly. I looked forward to her special music at church and watched her become such an acomplished musician as grew older. Her life was an example to all of us. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kris Wilson-Meeker Joshua Wilson Sarah Wilson-Helmers"

"My church was praying for her since she got sick, she was in the prayer chain, everyday we had an update on her from Brent, Teresa and Bethani Paulson, we grew to love Emily for the Paulson's admiration and love for her."

"My church was praying for her since she got sick, she was in the prayer chain, everyday we had an update on her from Brent, Teresa and Bethani Paulson, we grew to love Emily for the Paulson's admiration and love for her."

"Amy, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God be with all of you. Joyce(Meyer)Hoag"

"To Emily's Family and friends-- I am so sorry for your loss. I am still reeling from the news. I met Emily this summer at the U of M in our first master's class at the School of Nursing. We ended up working together in a group project on the work of Patricia Benner, nurse theorist. I bonded with her instantly for her beautiful smile and sunny personality...and because, I too am a native Iowan. I grew up in Tipton, Iowa. She and I would sometimes share a coffee break or lunch together, and talk and laugh about growing up there. My spouse, Brian, is also from Muscatine, although he and I are older than dear Emily. I know that you all know how special she was, and how gifted with people. I only wish I had gotten to know her better. I knew immediately that she was a woman of substance and grace. I didn't realize that she carried that as a part of her name. The world has lost a great soul. I am deeply saddened by your enormous loss, and the loss to all those whom she touched, and had yet to touch in life. I am comforted in knowing she was indeed a servant and child of God, bought and paid for by our Savior's blood. I also knew she had a heart for missions. It is apparent that her memorial service has deeply touched many, and that her legacy will live on through you and those she inspired. Bless you in your time of sorrow. Know I am praying for you and remembering Emily fondly. I am thankful I had the opportunity to meet your lovely daughter. She was truly a gift. In His Peace- Lisa Newcomer"

"Mike, Amy, and family, Words cannot express the hurt that I feel for all of you right now. I'm thankful that words are not needed and that you can hear our hearts when we express our love and prayers for you. What a special family you are and what a truly rare soul Emily was. The service today was beautiful and it is obvious you have much to be proud of. I'm envious of Emily walking the streets of Heaven with those who have gone on before her. What a smile must be on her face right now. As much as we know that's true, there is healing for many people here below - but I know God will hold you in the palm of his hand. My favorite verses: Jeremiah 29:11-13: For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Emily sought HIM with all of her heart and she is reaping the rewards now. My prayers for all of you will continue. Much love, Lynette and Chris Morton"

"Our sympathies are with you. We are praying for the family. Love Merwin and Judy Buster"

"I am very sorry to hear about your loss. Our children aren't supposed to go before us. May she be at peace and be the the side of Jesus. You are in my thoughts and prayers"

"Virginis and Pastor wanted me to tell you they are devastated by your loss and wish they could be here to give you a hug, you will be in their constant prayers."

"Our hearts are broken with you. These are the times we want to scream out to God, Why! No one will ever be able to give a grieving parent comfort with their fumbling human answers to "Why?" There is no greater pain on earth. We carry it with us for the rest of our lives on earth. Don't push yourselves. Grieve in your own way in your own time. No length of time is ever enough. Your world stops and the rest of the world keeps on living. Don't try to make sense of what you feel just work through each step. Reach out to others. Don't put on a brave face, if you are feeling destroyed let them know. Let people help you. One day you will be remembering your precious Emily and a smile will light your eyes instead of filling with tears. The tears will still come, they always do, but you'll have the laughter and joy again. Today is overwhelming, tomorrow seems like forever but we will be praying for you. On your worst day you will feel the peace of God as His children pray for you and cry with you. Emily will never be forgotten. With Deepest Sympathy, Leo, Annetta, Lauren, Drew, Alexis, Adrianna, and Noah Elgatian"

"Amy and Mike and family, Our deepest sympathy is with you and your family. Our hearts go out to you. Reading about Emily tells us what a wonderful person she was and how much she has given to others. How proud of her you must be. Our prayers and thoughts are with you in this very difficult time. Jim and Nancy White"

"Dear Ones, We are praying for you all. I was reading what others wrote and it is amazing what an incredible impact Emily is having on this world even now! She is a shining example of what a Christian daughter should be. I am sorry that we could not be there for you this weekend. Know that you will be in our hearts and on our minds. May God bless you with peace and comfort. I will carry Emily's picture with me in my Bible this week as we go on our first mission trip. I agree with Jordan Duroe, that we should follow her example. We can all do more in this world. In His Name!! Loveya, The Allison Family Matt, Tammy, Paige & Gage"

"I want to share my heartfelt sorrow at the loss of your dear Emily. I met Emily at a workshop in Ohio last January and found her to be a beautiful spirit. I also recently lost my 28 year old daughter Sarah tragically when a rogue wave hit her while she and her husband were taking pictures on a cliff walk in Ital. Sarah died from severe head trauma. She was on vacation with her husband. Sarah also met Emily at the workshop and I know they are both seeing what we only know in hope at this time. I truly will pray for you as you walk this new and difficult land. Emily had a wonderful warmth to her. I am so sorry for your dear loss. with much love and prayers for all of her family and friends. Chris"

"We grieve for the world without Emily in it."

"I have pictures, both the paper kind and the electronic variety. Paper from an early 90's Christmas, and electronic from Outer Banks trip and Brian's wedding. You and your family our in my thoughts and prayers."

"I remember a little girl so sweet and happy with red beautiful hair crawling around on grandmas floor. She brought a joy in the room with her smile. She gave so much of herself and touch so many people's hearts. She will be greatly missed by all. I Know she is being rewarded in heaven for all she was here on earth. My deepest condolences to all who were best to know her and be touched by her presence."

"I remember a little girl so sweet and happy with red beautiful hair crawling around on grandmas floor. She brought a joy in the room with her smile. She gave so much of herself and touch so many people's hearts. She will be greatly missed by all. I Know she is being rewarded in heaven for all she was here on earth. My deepest condolences to all who were blest to know her and be touched by her presence."

"Amy,Mike and Family, It has been along time since we all lived on Amy DR. but I remember Emily and her red hair. She was a beautiful girl than and now. I was very saddened when I read the paper.It sounds like she touched many lives in the short time she was here. My thoughts and prayers are with you all."

"I remember Emily from our younger years. She was such a sweet person. I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you all in my prayers."

"Emily was a student of mine I will always remember. She was in my intermediate Spanish class at Muscatine Community College and along with her two pals, Bethany and Michelle, they infected everyone with their positivity, good humor and drive to learn the language. Theirs was the only class I've had in my nearly 20 years at MCC that needed no excuse to throw an impromptu class party. (They got me balloons and gifts for my birthday and brought treats--surprised me when I got to class; they also held a "welcome back" party when I had missed ONE class for a pre-arranged conference.) But who could ever get upset with Emily and friends who shared her zest and sense of purpose. I admired her then and I know those who have kept in touch still love her greatly. I knew she would be successful at whatever she chose to do; I also know her legacy and memory will continue to serve and influence others. My sincere sympathy to family and friends who lost the physical Emily much, much too soon. You all know she will be with you always. "

"The sadness you have at this time will be replaced in time by the joy of her life among all of her family and friends. Please know that my heart is heavy as I write this for I have known the Bosch family for over fifty years. Dee Kossives"

"I am deeply saddened for your loss. You are in my prayers. Jane"

"Mike,Amy and family. Our deepest sympothies. We went to church with you at Hillcrest years ago. All of our children were little then and I remember Emily being such a sweet girl. I am amazed at all she had accomplished is such a short life. She truly loved people and her Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are surely with you as so many others are. May God comfort you with his loving arms. Jeff and Judy (Rector) Suttles."

"To Emily's family: Emily was my roommate for one year at Jeremiah's Porch in Minneapolis. When I heard the news the image that came directly to me was of Emily sitting outside on the porch of the house with the Somali girl she was tutoring, sitting and laughing together. Emily's spirit of peaceful (and sometimes crazy!) joy was everpresent. Wow. What a loss for us to grieve. I'll be thinking of you all and of her for many days to come. Peace and Grace to you."

"We loved Emily so dearly..all three of us !!! There is not enough space to share every warm,tender,funny,loving memory we will forever hold in our hearts about our Em. The last time we saw her was in October. We didn't even know she was in town until we (Gary & Rochelle) walked to see her poised in her favorite spot ( she always did like our chairs!!) watching a movie with Bryan,Lana, & Josiah. ( No surprise there,huh?) We have been deeply touched by her homegoing and it has made us think at 22,49, & 51 respectively what more we can do to better serve our King. Oh, for that glorious day when we can stand by her side looking into Jesus face together and singing our hearts in praise to Him !!! Emily...so precious,so,beautiful, and with the most sincere servants heart of anyone we will probably ever know !!! Know that we grieve her earthly absence but rejoice in one of the Lords most precious jewels now set in His crown . We love you all so very much !!! Gary, Rochelle, & Josiah "

"Amy and Mike, Although I didn't know Emily, I can tell from what has been written about her that she was an exceptional young woman. Emily's death will leave a huge void for her family, friends, and those she touched all over the world with her care and compassion. I am so very sorry for the sorrow that you are suffering. My thoughts are with you, and I pray that your precious memories of Emily will help you through this difficult time."

"Rudolphs: There wasn't many weeks that went by when you lived in Muscatine that you didn't have me over at the house, or Nate was over at ours. I came to love all of you like my own family. I still do. I love you guys. I just want to say that I think the memorial today was beautiful. I was blown away learning as much as I did about Emily. I had no idea just the depth of her grace and love. I don't know how anyone could have been in that room today without being deeply moved by the testimony of Emily's amazing life. After the service today, I've thought long and hard about my own life and where it's going. I know there was talk at the service today of short term zeal. And today was an emotional day. But I don't think it's that. Right now I don't think I have ever been more genuinely moved or deeply inspired than I was today at the service, and I don't think I'll ever be the same. I want to truly, from my heart, give you my word to take after Emily's example and to not waste another day living for myself. I didn't know Emily as well as most of the rest of the family. But after today, she will always be in my heart, and her life will be an example by which I measure myself by. And the great thing is there is no way I'm the only one having these thoughts. There are a lot more people having the same thoughts tonight, people who were deeply affected and convicted by today's service. I think there are a lot of people who are taking Emily's example to heart tonight. I think there are a lot of people tonight who have realized they can do a little more (or a lot more). I think there's probably some people tonight who are really opening themselves to God for the first time, and it's all because of Emily. I think what Emily started will continue on in new people. I pray it will. Because that's the only way it makes sense to me that her ministry would be cut short. It has to be continued on...and ten fold! I promise all of you to be one of those who continues it on. I know it's cheesy, but that song Michael Liu used to always sing has been in my head. I've been thinking about how one day when I see Emily in heaven, like that song, I want to be able to say to her..."thank you for giving to the Lord, I am a life that was changed." Emily was a beautiful person, and I will never forget her or her example, and I hope to honor both her life and example, as well as you guys, her family, by following her lead. Anyone else reading this, I hope you will do the same. Emily proved that one person can change the world by themselves...how much more if five of us are working together with hearts as open and giving as Emily's? Or 25? Think about it. When's the last time you really gave of yourself? Think about what we could do! Let the changes in our lives be a testament to the life of Emily Grace Rudolph, who gave more than all of us in just 25 years."

"To the Rudolph Family, Emily was one of those students who stick in your mind through the years. I can still see her and Bethany Lee sitting in the back row near the window of my Elementary Spanish I and II classes at MCC. She was such a delight to have in class and I am so impressed by what a wonderful person she grew to be. She was a barely a teenager then and I think was a little nervous at being in a college class at such a young age. Needless to say, she was a star pupil and great role model to the rest of the class. I am deeply saddened by her sudden death. You are all in my prayers during this very difficult time. Deb Walker"

"Mike, Amy, and Family: I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Emily. I can remember when she was just a baby and even then she was always happy and outgoing. Please know that you and your family our in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Robbie, Bob, Kelly, and Gage"

"Our prayers are with you and your family. Larry & Jo Ann Carlson"

"I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. Just remember, to keep your grief light-hearted, and as time goes on, the sorrow will fade, and you will be blessed with beautiful memories of her. Take Care and God Bless all of you"

"We are deeply saddened by your loss. We are praying for your family and all whose lives were touched by Emily and who now sorrow at her passing."

"Mike, Amy and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. We are very saddened by your loss. Kae, Carl and family"

"He is rejoicing right now! I know it will still be a difficult time for all of you, and I pray you really feel the Lord's presence. Maxine"

"Amy and family, It has been a long time since we were in the same neighborhood but I remember Emily as a small child. Please know that you have my thoughts and prayers. Diana (Ogier-Lewis) Stout"

"Only God can console the loss of Emily, a beautiful young caring person whome's life touched many people. Her family is in my prayers. It was a pleasure working with you, honey. Rest in peace in His arms."

"Mike,Amy and family, Our family will be praying for your family during this time and in the months to come. Mike and Pam (Porter) O'Donnell"

"Mike and Amy, I am so sorry. I can't even begin to imagine your pain. Love to y'all, Michael, Sally, Quinn, Glori, Jensen, Jeremiah and Samiri "

"It was a privilege to make Emily's acquaintance through having her as an orientee once or twice at the VAMC. Because of her great attitude and accomplishments in her life, she leaves a large vaccuum and a challenge to all who met her. Condolenses to her family & loved ones."

"Dear Amy, Mike, and family, May God's peace be with all of you, and may Emily's spirit live on in your hearts and memories. May you take comfort in knowing how many lives she touched and made better by her presence and support in them. May you be sustained in the knowledge that she lived so well and was not only a gifted young woman, but one who gave her gifts and talents so unselfishly to the world. My love, prayers, and deepest sympathies to you and to your families. Connie Kossives Young"

"Mike, Amy & family - I am so sorry for the untimely loss of your beloved daughter. I watched Emily grow up at Hillcrest - a beautiful little girl into a faithful, lovely young woman. My heart aches for you and your entire family. Take comfort that she lived a good life and is with our Lord now."

"We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our prayers. Love, The Gorter Family"

"Mike and Amy---My heartfelt sympathy goes out to you along with my prayers for strength and God's perfect peace which only He can give at a time like this. There are no words to make it better. I know it's so hard to lose a child. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers----Donna Blair"

"Amy and Mike and family, We were so sorry to hear about Emily. I remember her in the play group we were both in and the bible study. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Denny and Julie Eaton"

"Dear Mike, Amy and Family, You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Lisa, David, Erin and Jake Cunningham"

"Mike, Amy & Family, We are so sorry we can't be with you at this difficult time, but please know you have been and will continue to be in our prayers. There is simply no way to comprehend such a terrible loss, but we pray you will find comfort in your faith and knowing Emily's life will always shine as an eternal beacon of compassion and love in the hearts of all she touched. With love and prayers, Josh and Connie"

"My poor Amy, I am still in shock from my mother's phone call tonight. I can't believe this has happened to you. When we dreamed of having babies, we never dreamed of losing them. I can't begin to imagine how much this hurts...the pain must seem enormous and endless. I suppose it always will be. I think of you often and I'm sending you warm hugs tonight. Love, Mandy"

"Dear Family, I lived with Emily at J.Porch and had hoped to see her when we both would be living in the middle east. I weep with you at her sudden departure. I wait with you for the comfort promised to those who mourn. I hope with you in this darkness in expectation in Christ; that the seed her life scattered will grow in fertile soil. She was a role model and inspiration to me. With Big prayers, Emma"