Audrey Van Stroud (Rusty), age 76 went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday evening, February 21, 2026 surrounded by loved ones in Fayetteville, Arkansas. He was born and raised in Goshen, Arkansas to Oran and Clela Stroud.
Rusty is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruthie Stroud of Goshen; one sister, Donna Mason; daughter Charlotte and husband Alex Martin; son Russell Stroud and husband Eugene Stroud; daughter Nancy and husband Clay Carver; his beloved 7 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his beloved father Oran Stroud; mother Clela Stroud; infant brother Aubrey Stroud; and brother Lonnie Stroud.
Rusty was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle and Papa. He was a hard worker who loved everyone and never met a stranger. He was a machinist in the Navy and then continued his love for working with machinery at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville for 36 years before retiring. His real love of work was farming, raising animals and being outside on his farm equipment
Rusty had a love for the Lord and for others. He was faithful in being a part of his local church and serving where he saw a need. He loved and treasured his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with family and friends. He will be forever remembered and greatly missed.
Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Friday, February 27, 2026 at Beard’s Chapel.
Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Beard’s Chapel with obituary and prayer by Pastor Alex Martin and message by Pastor Rex Dickey. Interment will follow in Goshen Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org or the American Heart Association www.heart.org
Fair winds and following seas, Shipmate. We have the Watch.
Rusty was a friend at VA and always interested in serving others.
I am so sorry to hear Rusty passed on. I’ve known Rusty for 60+ years and always had alot of respect for him. As a VA Emoplyee myself, Rusty was always at my beck and call anytime I needed assistance. Rest in peace my ol friend. Sending prayers of comfort to the entire Stroud Family.
Sending many prayers to your family. Rusty was always a light to everyone. Made my workdays at the VA much more pleasant after seeing his cheerful face throughout the hallways.
Ruthie and family, Rusty was a like another brother, good neighbor and friend. He will be greatly missed. My prayers are with you and the family during these trying times🙏.
Rusty had such a gentle manner, a welcome so warm and true. He always made us feel like family. Our conversations would drift to Asia, across the distant seas, to cultures he found so different yet so beautiful. Now forever in our hearts he and his spirit stay, a man so kind and dear. Our prayers go out to Ruthie and the Stroud family.
Sometimes life becomes incredibly difficult, especially when we have to face losses like this.
Rusty, I will always remember how you opened the doors of your heart and your family to me. Your kindness, our conversations, and everything you taught me will stay with me forever.
You went through so much and you were truly brave.
May you rest in peace.
we are so sorry to hear this sending our thoughts and love to you and your family. May God wrap is arms around you and give you peace and comfort. love ya
We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Rusty. But I rejoice that he is home with our Savior and we will see him again. It was a privilege to know him. He was always kind and so helpful to me and my family. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your family during this difficult time.
So sorry to her of Rusty’s passing. Our prayers and thoughts are with him and the entire family at this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear about Rusty. This is tragic but all the earthly suffering is over and he is in a much better place. He was a very good man and this will be a lesser place without him. It’s not so much what he done but what he left behind. He has a wonderful family. God bless the family.
Sorry and saddened to hear of Rusty passing. He and Ruthie were long time friends. He served his country honorably for many years. Rusty was exceptional in the field of maintenance. He will be missed by many. The Stroud family are in my wife Terri and my prayers. God Bless.
Growing up in our community was our bond. Watching the progress that we made and the successes we achieved made that bond even stronger. We will miss reminiscing about the experiences we shared and the people we knew. We were blessed to have you in our lives.
We moved to Goshen in 2021, and Rusty was always so kind and gracious to Mike and me. He always had a wonderful smile and a kind word for all. He will be missed!!
My dad worked with Rusty at the VA for many years. So sorry to hear of his passing. Prayers for the family.
Worked at the VA in the kitchen.Rusty always had a big smile ready to help with anything.Lord took agood man! If anything needs fixed In Heaven ,Rusty is the man! Good memories Rusty!
I have learned in life that you have to be careful who you put upon a pedestal. Rusty and Ruthie are on our minds. I valued his advice to me and I sought it often. Allan and I will miss him so much. Our prayers are with Ruthie and family during this time of sorrow.