Gertrude Duell

Gertrude (Trudy) Gaspar McDuell, a faithful wife, loving mother, caring grandmother and great-grandmother, and devoted friend went to be with her Savior on Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Trudy was born in Colorado on November 21, 1921, and grew up in the small town of Lafayette. She was the third child of Sophia Caroline Zeech Gaspar and Aloisius "Louis" Gaspar. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband John William McDuell, and siblings Anna, Fredrick, and Louis. Her surviving brother Carl describes his sister Trudy as a "very happy person who enjoyed life." The five siblings, who were born just a year apart, enjoyed a close relationship as they grew up.

After Trudy graduated from high school in 1940, she attended a business school in California where she experienced "big city life" and married her first husband Tom Leroy Hansen with whom she had three children. In 1973 Trudy married John William McDuell and was blessed by four additional daughters. In addition to her brother Carl, Trudy is survived by her children: Carol Whann, Tom Hansen, and Tim and Cindy Hansen, and their two children Tyler and Scotty; Patty and Ken Botton, Sally and Vic Roehlk and their children Michael and Sarah Roehlk, Matty and Camille Roehlk, and Jonathan and Katie Roehlk; Sue and George O'Connor; Judy Preciado and her five children Tracy and Tom Quiqley, Jessica and Joseph Tozer, Andrew and Meri Preciado, Elizabeth Preciado, and Caleb Preciado and ten great grandchildren. Each one held a very special place in Trudy's life and heart!

After Trudy retired from the U.S. Postal Service, she became fully devoted to serving the people at Grace Community Church and did whatever was needed: cooking meals, visiting the sick, hosting Bible studies in her home, and nurturing souls. Through it all, she did it with a smile and a willing heart Trudy was not only a gracious listener, but she was also a wonderful conversationalist who had a contagious laugh and a winning smile! She cared deeply about the people she loved and prayed for them often.

During the last few years Mary DeGray not only took loving, meticulous care of Trudy, but they also became very dear friends as they challenged each other in a good game of Rummikub and shared their love for Jesus.

We mourn the loss of Trudy's life, but are comforted knowing she is fully healed and living joyfully in the presence of her Savior.
Please join us as we gather to celebrate her life this coming Saturday - 11:00 A.M., May 21, 2016 at Grace Community Church. 935 W. Mescalero Road, in Roswell. To God be the glory!

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