"Lit a candle in memory of Gertrude "Trudy" Elizabeth Pilcher"
In loving memory of
Gertrude "Trudy" Elizabeth Pilcher
January 13, 1920 - August 5, 2017
Gertrude Elizabeth "Trudy" Pilcher , 97, of Canton passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2017.
She was born January 13, 1920, in Monmouth, IL to Arthur and Sadie (Burford) Swanson.
Trudy married Virgil D. Pilcher in Canton, IL, on June 29, 1946.
She was preceded in death by her husband on August 7, 1994, her parents, a sister, Marguerite Allaman, and a brother, Elmer (Bud) Swanson.
Surviving are her daughters, Marsha (Steve) Moore and Muriel (Mike) Freeman of Canton. Four grandchildren: Brent (Sarah) Freeman and Brooke (Robert) Denniston of Canton. Blair (Stephanie) Freeman of Joliet, IL and Quinn (Danielle) Moore of Aurora, IL. Eight great-grandchildren, "her pride and joy": Jordan Fuller and Elisabeth Freeman, Violet, Eli, and Ivy Freeman, Delaney and Fletcher Denniston, and Patrick Moore along with several nieces and nephews.
During WWII Trudy was a "Rosie the Riveter" in Long Beach, California for McDonnell Douglas. She "bucked" rivets in the fuselages of B-29 bombers and also delivered armor plates to be installed behind the pilot's seats in the aircraft for extra protection. She returned to Canton and worked for International Harvester until she married. Trudy was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church of Canton, and more recently a member of the First Christian Church of Canton. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was an avid reader and always kept up with the latest news.
Trudy enjoyed visiting with her friends and playing BINGO. She was "young at heart" and would try anything from cell phones to Facebook. Mom / Grandma / GeeGee is deeply loved and will be greatly missed!
In respect to her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, with private graveside burial be held at a later date in Greenwood Cemetery, Canton.
Memorials may be made to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Midwest Affiliate.
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Canton is assisting the family with arrangements.
To leave online condolences please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Tributes
"Marsha, Joyce and I are so very grateful that you found our phone number. It was not news we wanted to hear. We loved that lady. We first met her in 1998 in Dundee, FL. A wonderful, loving, thoughtful, witty and caring person. After she left Florida, we RV'd through Canton several times to see her. We were blessed to have had her in our lives. We send our sympathy to you and Murial, and the rest of Trudy's family Bob & Joyce Klusmeyer, Horicon, WI"
"Having known this family for many years, I can say that it is a family full of love. Trudy was a loving and caring lady and will be missed by so many. To have her for 97 years was a blessing to everyone who knew her. Hugs to the family in this time of her passing."
"Trudy was a beautiful woman, inside and out. Always so happy. Marsha, Murial and all the grands, we are so sorry for your loss. Tony and Lisa Fahrenbruch"
"Marsha I wanted to send my love and strength to you and your family during this difficult time. Prayers to all of you. April Mottram"