Gertrude Virginia Chedister

Gertrude (Trudy) Virginia Chedister, 102, went home to be with the Lord on March 8, 2015.  She was born October 12, 1912 in Salem, WV to Elzie A. Payne and Bernice G. Payne.  She was the second of nine children.  After graduating from Salem College, she married Joseph (Joe) C. Chedister, also of Salem, WV on August 26, 1929 in Winchester, VA.

Trudy spent her life as a military wife, supporting Joe’s career and keeping the home fires burning during his times away.  She became a widow at age 46.  She was a talented actress and landed parts in many little theater productions.  She made friends quickly, drew neighbors together; and looked after others all her life.  She was known by all for her wonderful sense of humor and quick wit.  She wrote poems for family members and friends, as well as for the enjoyment and inspiration of all those who knew her.  She was able to recite these until near her death.

Trudy’s faith in Christ was central to her life.  She gave God the glory for helping her as a widow raise her children.  She cared for others and shared her faith with everyone.  She was a prayer warrior and a woman of much wisdom.  The best way to describe Trudy is the Proverbs 31 woman.  She lived her life passionately and purposefully for God’s glory and her children rise up and call her blest.

Trudy is survived by her daughters Jo Ellen Covell and husband, Philip A. of Winchester, VA; Christine DeVault of Martinsburg, WV; and by her son, John C. Chedister and his wife, Deborah A. of Greensburg, PA; eight grandchildren, Rebecca Lynn Covell of Phoenix, AZ, Dawn Janel Murphy of Erie, PA, Joseph Willis Reep of Monroe, NC, Jennifer Suzanne Spires of Schertz, TX, Amy Louise Kucharski of Waco, TX, Joanna Leigh Kennett of Winchester, VA, Nathan Brice DeVault of Arlington, VA, and Casey Arden Zyvith of Bovard, PA; 13 great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

Trudy is also survived by her sister Shirley M. Griffin of Polk City, FL.  Seven of Trudy’s siblings have preceded her in death: Kathryn E. Payne, Francis L. Watkins, Taressa Jean Hawker, Robert T. Payne, Rachel J. Nickell, Mildred R. Hannah, and James A. Payne.

A viewing is Thursday, March 12^th from 4:00 until 8:00 PM at Ford Funeral Home in Bridgeport; WV; the funeral will be Friday, March 13^th at 2:00 PM at Ford Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions in memory of Trudy may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 West Cork St., Suite 405, Winchester, VA  22601.

Please view obituaries and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com