Audrey “Rusty” Van Stroud, 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 p.m. Friday, February 27, 2026, at Beard’s Chapel.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. 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 http://www.alz.org or the American Heart Association http://www.heart.org