He was born April 6, 1936, in American Falls, Idaho, to Howard R. Charles and Estella Gambles. He grew up in Preston, Idaho, and graduated from North Gem High School in Bancroft in 1954. He attended Mesa Community College in Grand Junction Colorado, on a basketball and baseball scholarship. He served in the U.S. Army for 2 years in Augusta, Georgia, playing basketball and baseball for the Army. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On April 25, 1959, he married Barbara DeWitt in Bancroft. They had three sons and a daughter whom they raised in Idaho Falls and Rigby. After 21 years of marriage they were divorced. He later married Aloma Wright in Elko, Nevada on May 24, 1997. They lived together in Ririe.

He worked for H-K Contractors for 41 years until his health forced him to retire. During this time he was finally able to travel with Aloma and his dog Rusty in their R.V. They took many great trips to Mesquite where he was able to golf everyday and take long walks with Rusty. At a time when most people would slow down Rudy did the opposite. He spent the last years of his life with energy and enthusiasm. He was up for any new challenge. He learned to scuba dive and his first dive off of the boat was with sharks. Last year at the age of 70 he made his first trip to Disneyland with his granddaughters and closed the park down. He also enjoyed dancing, bowling, baseball, and watching professional bull riding. he had a great interest in politics and loved watching Fox News and reading political books. For those who knew him all would agree he probably left early so that he would not have to see another Clinton in the White House.

He is survived by his wife, Aloma Charles of Ririe; 3 sons, Brad (Annette) Charles of Boise, ID, Jeff Charles of Boise, ID, and Matt Charles of Grand Junction, CO; one daughter, Valerie (Scott) Charles of Bose, ID; 2 brothers, Clyde (Teddie) of Salt Lake City, UT, and LaMont Charles of Ririe; one sister, Connie (Bob) Vanderschans of Idaho Falls; 3 step-sons, Kyle Wright of Ucon, Terry Wright of Idaho Falls, and Gary Wright of Las Vegas, NV; and 7 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m. Monday, February 25, 2008, at Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the services.

The family would like to thank the staff of Hospice of Eastern Idaho for the outstanding care and friendship they gave to Rudy and Aloma during this time.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com