Rudolph "Rudy" Mendivil Silva

Rudolph "Rudy" Mendivil Silva, age 96, a long-time resident of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, passed from this life into the next on March 29, 2025. Rudy was born at Panuco, Mexico, to Jose Mendivil and Felicitas Ontiveros and was very proud of his Mexican American heritage.

He and the true love of his life, Bessie Kirk, were married January 3, 1954, in Chicago, IL. He proudly served his country as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne division of the Army stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Rudy and Bessie raised 8 children. He moved his family to Prairie Grove from Chicago in 1972, after working as a tool and die craftsman, and raised laying hens for Tyson Foods until retiring in 1991.

Rudy was the foundation of his family. He was a role model and demonstrated all the things you want a parent to be – loving, honest, hard-working, faithful, and generous. Rudy was a friend to all he met and treated everyone with dignity and respect. He never met a stranger and welcomed everyone into his home. He was happiest when surrounded by family and sharing a home-cooked meal.

Our cherished memories of all the good times, laughter, playing games, and working together will sustain us as we celebrate a life well lived.

The family wants to give its heartfelt appreciation to Linda and Tim Rathell for their thoughtful and loving care for Dad in their home during the last 18 months. We also want to acknowledge caregiver Bobbie Reynolds and the wonderful staff at Heroes Haven in the Fayetteville VA Medical Center.

Rudy was preceded in death by his dear wife, Bessie Dean Kirk Silva; son, Rudy Silva, Jr.; daughter, Carol Collins Hudnall; son-in-law, Danny Hudnall; and grandson, Danny Hudnall, Jr.

He is survived by children Carl Steven Collins, (Lezli) of California, Jeff Silva (Mary Jane) of Fayetteville, Mark Silva (Debra) of Farmington, Linda Rathell (Tim) also of Farmington, Tony Silva of Elkins, and John Silva (Heather) of Tontitown. Grandchildren: Paul Hudnall (Missy), Steven Collins, Nicole Collins, Rose Hunter (Michael), Kyle Collins (Katie), Rachel Patton (Drue), Jordan Silva (Alicia), Evan Silva, Chrystal Patrick (Dan), Justin Silva (Whitney), Jonathan Silva (Taylor), Stephen Silva, Brandi Soliday, Erica Rathell. Great-grandchildren: Mickey, Cory, Kayleigh, Levi, Anna, Hunter, Skyler, Sophia, Connor, Maverick, Tessa, Makayla, Gibson, Claire, Jacob, Caleb, Coker, Lilly, Marley, Cortlyn, Judah, Selah, Charlize, Anastasia, Konner, Weston, Emmalynn, Benjamin, Abigail, Exaviar, AnnaBelle.

The family will receive friends Thursday, April 3, 2025, 1:00-2:00 PM at the Prairie Grove Christian Church, 611 Wayne Villines Rd., Prairie Grove, Arkansas.

Funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Prairie Grove Christian Church. Burial will be in the Prairie Grove Cemetery in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, there will be no graveside service held.