Alphield Geraldine Rud CanningAge: 101 • WaynesboroAlphield Geraldine Rud Canning died December 10, 2016 at her home, Wiltshire Farm, Waynesboro, Virginia.She was born on September 22, 1915 at Shaw's Ranch in McKenzie County, Cherry Township, North Dakota, a daughter of the late Cornelia and Henry Rud.  She was preceded in death by four siblings and three beloved sons-in law: Charles Larkins, Charles Allen and Norman Coyner.  She is survived by her four daughters, Sharon Larkins-Pederson (Edson) of Richmond; Carol Ross of Washington, D.C.; Kaylin Allen of Jackson, Mississippi; Colleen Coyner of Waynesboro.  Also surviving are grandchildren Kurt Larkins (Christina) of Raleigh, North Carolina; John D. Larkins III of Richmond; Charles H. Larkins III (Leanne) of Beaufort, South Carolina; Tony Ross (Margaret) of Takoma Park, Maryland; Scott Swanson (Diane) of Jackson, Mississippi; Lisabeth Bowman (Hil) of Dallas, Texas; Ryan Coyner (Ashleigh) of White Salmon, Washington; Jason Coyner (Lauren) of Waynesboro and 16 great grandchildren.Alphie attended public schools and graduated from Mayville College in North Dakota. She taught English and drama several years before marrying David G. Canning of Hendrum, Minnesota.  After moving to Virginia, she became a mother and talented homemaker, supporting her husband in his Angus cattle and real estate business. She spent the last 60 years in Augusta County living on Sugar Loaf Farm and Wiltshire Farm, where a herd of Texas Longhorn cattle were admired by many passersby and visitors.  She was an active member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, a member of Soroptomist International, the Tuesday Club, the Dean Holt Auxiliary and a volunteer at the Rockfish Gap Tourist Information Center. During her retirement years she was able to travel extensively and she always enjoyed telling stories about growing up in the Depression era, the changes she had seen over 100 years and the many interesting places she had visited. She was "Gram" or "Grandma Cookie" to her grandchildren, and her family and friends will always remember her annual Fourth of July reunion celebrations where she would kick off each party in costume and give a speech!A gathering for friends and family will be held at Charlton and Groome Funeral Home in Fishersville on Thursday, December 15 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.  Interment will be private.At her request those wishing to honor her memory may donate to any of the following organizations she appreciated and supported: Hospice of the Shenandoah, Blue Ridge Community College, Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad or the Wildlife Center of Virginia. For assistance with addresses for the above organizations you may view the obituary online at website listed below or contact the funeral home at 540-932-3600.Family and friends may view obituary and share memories and condolences at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com.