On Sept 23, 1926, the Lord put in motion the humble beginnings of life for Gertrude Effie Evans in Niagara Falls, NY. The poverty into which she was born was made rich by the love and closeness she had with her siblings; Elsie, Lois, Joe, and Jack. Gertrude soon dropped the formality of her given name and for the rest of her life she became known, to family, friends and co-workers as Trudi. The other ray of promise provided to Trudi in her youth was her connection with The Salvation Army. Through it Trudi found her Savior, her husband Ernie Baxendale, and her calling as an officer.
Trudi and Ernie served with The Salvation Army in many different capacities and places. Trudi ran the Home League, taught Sunday School and preached on Sunday evenings. And during one season, Trudi became the representative for The Salvation Army’s Christmas campaign and became Captain Merry Christmas. All of that while raising an Army of their own; Donna Lynn, Carol Gay, Ernest William, Kathy Sue, Karen Ann and Randy Jay.
In 1976 death took her first love as Ernie went to meet his Saviour. Six hard years later, John Rumbarger won Trudi’s heart and life took another turn as John’s three sons were added to the family; James. Kenneth, and Michael.
Although Trudi’s pathway in life was not easy, she rose to meet every challenge with grace and with honor to her Lord. Her gifting as a Bible teacher brought her much joy as she headed the Women of the Word Bible Study, counseled and coached many young women and still managed to find time for her growing family of grandchildren.
On June 2, 2012 “Grandpa John” went to meet his Lord and once again Trudi found herself beginning a new chapter in life. She left Pennsylvania and moved to Georgia to be near her twin daughters. As the years progressed dimentia clouded the once sharp and strong mind. And slowly the family watched as she faded in and out of recollections and responses.
On July 27, 2022, with all of her children surrounding her, the Lord took Gertrude Effie Evans Baxendale Rumbarger’s hand and welcomed her home.
Trudi was the final survivor of her siblings and
leaves behind her children:
Donna Wyatt (Dave), Carol Detwiler (Curt), Ernie Baxendale (Liz), Kathy Morse (Dan), Karen Bearchell(Dave), and Randy Baxendale (Dawn) and three stepsons Jim Rumbarger, Kenneth Rumbarger and Michael Rumbarger(Jill) their 18 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren with another on the way
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made on her behalf to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters, 440 West Nyack Road, West Nyack, New York 10994. Or online:
https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/
Many people cross our paths in life – some make lasting impressions. You couldn’t meet Trudi and not remember her. She was one of God’s special blessings to me. I was encouraged and stretched by things I learned from her. I can hear her wonderful laugh which lit up the room. Thank you for adding so much to my life good and faithful servant.
God bless each of her children, spouses and grand/great grandchildren.
Donna, Carol, Ernie, Kathy, Karen and Randy,
Aunt Trudi is home.
For you I have no words, no gestures, no advice, no consolation greater than the life that was lived by your mother and the evidence of her goodness in you.
We shall hold you all in prayer in our home.
Dave
Trudi was a beautiful, cheerful, and pleasant and always kind person. She readily welcomed Dad into the family as her brother-in-law. She and John often spent time together with Dad and Elsie.
My heart goes out to her children and family during this season of loss and transition.
Prayers for all of you!! ❤️❤️🙏🙏. She was a very sweet lady with a very sweet family!
Aunt Trudy has been a blessing to the Evans family- always kind and supportive – showed Gods love-and she was so loved by her brother, Jack! We are so sorry for this loss, but know she’s thrilled to be with the Lord, her Savior & Friend- and I’ll bet my father in law is dancing! ❤️🙌