Gertrude (Trude) Inez Norris Einhellig, age 70, passed away at her home in Springfield, MO, December 2, 2013, after a lengthy illness. She was born in Wichita, Kansas, to Gerald K. and Inez M. (Johnson) Norris on June 19, 1943. She is survived by her husband of more than 52 years, Frank, sons Robert and Richard (Katrina), and grandchildren (Kaitlin, Michael, Audrey, Naomi, Joseph, Nicholas).
Her elementary and high school years were in Lawrence, Kansas, where she was surrounded by a large extended Norris family of uncles, aunts, and cousins. In church she met Frank, her soul mate and love of her life, and they were married in 1961. Trude was passionate about her family, her love for all children, her God, and being a support to the friends she made everywhere she lived and worked. Trude was a career elementary teacher for more than 20 years, and was passionate about education.
Trude was an abiding strength and support to Frank, helping him in every way through graduate school and the steps in his career. They were an inseparable team. In their early years of marriage Frank taught school in Shawnee Mission, Kansas, and they lived on a farm near Bonner Springs. Trude and the family spent every summer with Frank in Norman, Oklahoma as he pursued more education. Eventually, they moved to Norman while Frank finished his graduate studies. In Vermillion, South Dakota, after their sons were in their elementary school years, Trude returned to her own formal education and in 1975 graduated with her degree in elementary education from the University of South Dakota with high honors. Trude then taught special education and first grade at Elk Point, South Dakota, and Frank always said she bought more gloves, and coats, …to say nothing of crayons and glue… than any army might use. Trude and Frank moved to Springfield in 1992 where she completed a master’s degree in reading at Missouri State University. In Springfield, Trude coordinated the MSU Literacy Center for several years and subsequently developed and taught the reading recovery program at Shady Dell Elementary School before her retirement from formal teaching. Trude had a deep love for her grandchildren and often regretted there were so many miles of distance to their location in Colorado.
Trude was a faithful member and minister of the Community of Christ Church throughout her life, and her devotion to God and Christ was central to her very being. She was the pre-worship director for the Bonner Spring Branch of the church, and the women’s leader while in Norman. Trude taught Church School for both children and adult classes at various times in Sioux City, IA and Springfield. She was the women’s leader for the Sioux District of the church during the 70’s and 80’s, and was often the Women’s Institute speaker. Trude was ordained as a minister (Elder) of the Church in 1999, and served as assistant to the pastor several years. Trude bore her testimony of Christ not only by all of her living and personal interactions, but in her sermons and administration of the sacraments of the church. The extension of her love and friendship, and her words of encouragement and counsel were a blessing to all that knew her. As health challenges arose in her last years, she had a remarkable strength and no fear. Instead, her concern was always for her family and others she might help. Seldom did a day go by without Trude providing support to friends and family through thoughtful cards and encouraging phone calls. The world we know has lost a wonderful person now to the greater Kingdom of God in heaven.
In memory of her, visitation will be Thursday, Dec. 5, 5:30-7:30 p.m. with funeral services at Greenlawn Funeral Home-East (3540 E. Seminole) Friday Dec. 6, at 11 a.m. Burial will be at Bonner Springs, KS, 2:00 p.m., Dec. 7. Memorial contributions may be made to the Einhellig Family Scholarship fund, Missouri State University Foundation (www.missouristatefoundation.org).