Molly Ruth White, daughter of Langdon (1897-1989) and Mary (Sanford) (1896-1981) White, was born 6 November 1922, Cook County, Illinois. The 1940 United States Federal Census enumerated Molly living with her parents in Shaker Heights, Cuyahoga County, Ohio.  Mollie started college at Denison University, Licking County, Ohio.  With World War II in progress she joined the women's branch of the US Naval Reserve, WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service).

The Newark Advocate (Newark, Ohio) Monday 25 February 1946

Miss Molly White of Gross Isle, now serving as a WAVE, was a guest in the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. White, East Elm street.  Miss White was a former student in Denison university.

After honorable discharge from the service, Molly returned to college.  She graduated with a B.A. degree from Stanford University, Santa Clara County, California.  Molly, while a WAVE, had met Ward James Rudersdorf, an officer in the United States Naval Reserve.  Ward, born 1 September 1923, Wisconsin, after his honorable military discharge, returned to Wisconsin and college.  The couple married 22 August 1950, Santa Clara County, California.

The Bakersfield Californian (Bakersfield, California) Monday 15 May 1950

FORMER WAVE NEW BRIDE-ELECT

Miss Molly White was feted at a pre-nuptial shower presided over by Mrs. Frank H. Kratka at her home, 2807 Sunset avenue, recently.  Miss white will be married to Ward Rudersdorf of Waupaca, Wis., late in August in Palo Alto.

The couple met while in service, Miss White serving in the WAVES and her fiancé in the Navy Air Force. Mr. Rudersdorf is attending the University of Wisconsin and Miss White is teaching at Bakersfield High School.

The Newark Advocate (Newark, Ohio) Tuesday 24 August 1954

Mrs. Ward Rudersdorf (Molly White) of Lansing, Mich., and Mrs. Roxana Brannan, Hudson, O., are visiting Mrs. Jesse White for a few days.  

By 1954 the Rudersdorf's were living in Ingham County.  Ward was in 1955 a named doctoral candidate at Michigan State University's Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, receiving his doctorate in 1958.  Molly was teaching 8th and 9th grade English at Okemos Consolidated Schools in 1954-1955.  Ward was appointed at MSU to the position of instructor of natural science in 1956 and assistant professor in 1962.  In 1962 he also received another doctoral degree, in agricultural science. He resigned from Michigan State in 1963 and moved on to Wisconsin State University - Stevens Point, Portage County, Wisconsin, Eastern Kentucky University, Madison County, Kentucky and then on to Southwestern Oregon Community College, Coos County, Oregon.  By 1988 Ward was retired but still very active in the Oregon Audubon Society.

Ward died 15 March 1996, Bourbon County, Kentucky.  Molly died 30 September 2015, Kentucky.

Published in Lexington Herald-Leader on Oct. 6, 2015

RUDERSDORF, Molly Ruth White, 92, widow of Dr. Ward J. Rudersdorf, died September 30, 2015. Born on November 6, 1922, she was the daughter of the late Mary Ruth (Sanford) and Dr. C. L. White. She was a graduate of Stanford University, a WWII Navy veteran, a member of Tri Delta, and Christ Church Episcopal in Richmond. She is survived by a daughter, Mary Marshall and son in law Joe Steilberg. A memorial service will be held at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Oct 9 at 10:30am.