OBITUARY: Gertrude “Trudy” Flory

Gertrude “Trudy” Flory, 89, of Newton, died Tuesday (Nov. 3, 2009) at her home.

She was born on May 30, 1920, in Wilkinsburg, Pa., the only daughter of Milo David and Mae Waddell Straney. As a child, Trudy moved with the family to Salina and later to Newton in 1934. She graduated from Newton High School in 1938; she then attended Bethel College and later graduated from Kansas State University. Trudy had taught at Harvey, Sand Creek District No. 57 and District No. 15 prior to being married.

She married William A. Flory Sr. on Aug. 20, 1942, in Long Beach, Calif., where Bill had been stationed in the military. During his time in the service, they lived in California, Alabama and North Carolina. After Bill was discharged, they moved to Fort Collins, Colo., before returning to Newton.

Trudy would teach adult education classes in Newton, Hutchinson and Wichita, helping students receive their GED. She also taught at Newton Weekday Bible School and was a substitute teacher in the Newton school district for several years before retiring.

She was a member of St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Newton. She was a charter member of the First Presbyterian Church Bell Choir. Trudy also had been a Sunday school teacher for many years. She enjoyed doing volunteer work at Newton Presbyterian Manor and the American Cancer Society, through which she had served as chairwoman of the daffodil committee.

Through the years, Trudy had written articles for The Newton Kansan and was a grapho analyst. She participated in 10 archeology digs in New Mexico and three in Kansas. Trudy also love to square dance.

Survivors include three sons, William A. Flory Jr.and his wife, Linda, of Sioux City, Iowa, David E. Flory and his wife, Kathy, of Haysville, and Richard Flory of Newton; one daughter, Elaine Trigg of Newton; 13 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Trudy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband on Sept. 15, 1980; brother, William Straney; and great-grandson Octavio Ramos III.

Friends may call from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Friday at St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Newton.

Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery.

A memorial has been established with the American Cancer Society. Contributions may be left at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.

Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh. com.