LIMA, OHIO — Mary Rudolph, wife of Rudolph Foods founder John Rudolph, died peacefully at home at the age of 90. She is remembered for her kind, gentle spirit and great love for family and friends, as well as her strength and ingenuity.
Ms. Rudolph developed a two-step pork rind cooking process after the meat industry stopped smoking bacon rinds in 1957, helping to save the company. Rudolph Foods still uses her process, known as “Mary’s Secret Recipe.”
Ms. Rudolph was an active and devoted member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Lima, Ohio, and was involved in the Bath Township Community Club, PTA, Lotus Club, Art Study Club, YWCA, Shawnee Country Club, Orchard Hill Tennis Club, 4H, Snack Food Association, Young Presidents Organization and Lima Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Ms. Rudolph is survived by four children, Kathy Rudolph, Susie Cornell, Jim Rudolph and Rich (Jan) Rudolph; a daughter-in-law, Nancy Rudolph; and eight grandchildren, Elizabeth (David) Entinghe, Caroline Rudolph, Johnny Rudolph, John Cornell, Sarah Cornell, Ryan Malooly, Skyler Malooly, and Zion Rudolph.
In her memory, donations may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church. For on-line condolences, visit www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
