Feb 02, 1949---Apr 11, 2024

Trudy G. Vanderweide (Ritter), 75, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2024 at Lakeview Village in Lenexa. Trudy will forever be remembered for her optimism and smile. She brought joy to everyone she knew and truly lived out Maya Angelou’s famous quote... “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel!”

A remembrance service will be held by the family on Sunday, April 14th at 5:30pm at Good Shepherd in Shawnee with a gathering for friends and family with light snacks directly following. For those inclined, a small Catholic mass will also be held Monday at 10am. To honor Trudy’s positivity and cheerful personality, you are welcome to wear bright colored attire at the services.

Trudy was born February 2, 1949 in Granite City, Illinois, the daughter of the late Robert and Lois Ritter. She moved with her parents and brother, Bobby, to Prairie Village, KS when she was in middle school and lived in the Kansas City area the rest of her life. She graduated from Shawnee Mission East and later Kansas State University. She was a passionate and dedicated elementary school teacher her entire life.  She married her beloved late husband Phil Vanderweide on November 27th, 1976. Trudy was a compassionate and nurturing mother to Kevin, Mark and Jill. She loved attending her grandkids’ events, traveling, reading, gardening, and most of all… spending time with her friends and family.

She is survived by her 3 children, Kevin (Michelle), Mark (Sarah) and Jill (Adam) and 8 grandchildren, Samuel, Gracie, Sophie, Eli, Zachary, Bennett, Brielle and Brennan. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for family and friends to bring a children’s book to the remembrance gathering that will be donated in her honor.



Condolences

Natalie Valarezo Apr 11, 2024

Friend of Kevin and Michelle ,Wichita ,Kansas

To all of her children and grandchildren, Trudy was such a fun, kind and warm woman who shined brightly. Love and prayers go out to all of you during this difficult time!

Anita Uriarte Poynter Apr 11, 2024

Friend ,The Villages

I am so saddened to read Trudy has passed. I will always think of her as smiling and happy! Always a bright lift if you were around her. And how she glowed around her grandkids. I pray for peace for all of you through this. She was a wonderful example of how to live a life.

Chris Apr 11, 2024

Friend of the family ,Olathe ,Kansas

Our family absolutely adored Trudy. We always look forward to seeing her at her grandkids sporting events. I will forever cherish the memories of looking forward to her smile and chatting with her during games. She always gave us hugs, and we had many conversations and laughs with her. Our deepest and sincere condolences on her loss. She will be deeply missed. May the memories give you peace during this difficult time.

Richard Hiegert Apr 11, 2024

Co-worker ,Baldwin City ,Kansas

Trudy was truly a grand lady! I taught with her at Ray Marsh. She was the teacher that all other teachers admired and respected. I loved her hilarious sense of humor, yet complete professionalism. She was a true friend to all of us at Marsh and will be greatly missed.

John and Freddie Palo Apr 11, 2024

Friend and former neighbor ,Lenexa ,Kansas

I will always remember that friendly face and infectious smile. Was saddened when she moved away from the neighborhood. I can still envision all the family pictures she had on her wall. Condolences to her family John and Freddie

Jan Marcason Apr 11, 2024

friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

I was friends with Trudy since Meadowbrook. We had so many good times. Life seemed much easier then than what kids experience today. We had a big group of girls that did a lot together. We had been trying to have lunch (along with Lynda Chinn) but we never got it organized. I certainly regret that now. I followed Trudy on Facebook and loved the pictures of her grandchildren. She was always joyful and up for anything. My best to all her family. So hard to lose the Matriarch.

The Valdez Girls Apr 11, 2024

Friend ,string:LENEXA ,Kansas

We loved Trudy more than words can say. We were neighbors for 15 years. There wasn’t a day we didn’t see each other. Her and Phil were family. She was such a light in our lives. We miss her already. Love, The Valdez gals

Libby Metz Apr 11, 2024

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

There are no words to fully express my deep admiration and affection for Trudy. She was a teacher to both of my daughters and became a long term family friend. Trudy's smile, optimism and overall joy of life is legend. Peace to your family.

Jimmy& Becky Craig Apr 11, 2024

Friends ,Leaawood ,Kansas

Our hearts are heavier today with this loss of a woman that words really don’t describe. She was so special to her family and her friends. She was especially loved by Larry and Karen Craig, that is our connection to this wonderful light in this world and an angel now in Heaven. Our prayers are with you.

Dee Anna Towns Snider Apr 11, 2024

College Friend ,Indianapolis ,Indiana

To all of Trudy's Family... Trudy and I were dorm friends at KSU West hall when we were freshman and we also kept track of each other during our college years as we lived across the street at our respective sorority houses. There is not a person in the world that had a better attitude or a bigger smile. I was so glad to reconnect with her on facebook as we left Kansas a long time ago. I feel I know her family through her posts. I am sorry for all of you and I am sorry for all of us who will miss her beautiful smile and her friendship. DeeAnna

Jamie Apr 11, 2024

Friend ,Shawnee

My thoughts and love are with you all Jill, Mark, Kevin, spouses and all the grandchildren. Love you all.

Pam Apr 11, 2024

Friend ,Fairway ,Kansas

There will never be another Trudy! Joy, giving, warmth, love and fun wrapped into one great person! She was my friend growing up in Prairie Village. Trudy’s greatest legacy is her wonderful children and all the love they can continue to give in her memory. Blessings to each of you.

Dave Gilkison Apr 11, 2024

College friend ,Manhattan ,Kansas

Trudy and I were good friends in college at K - State always remember her for her great smile and laugh. She was always the life of the party and had such a positive attitude towards everyone. My condolences to all of her family.

Diane Sutera Francis Apr 11, 2024

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

Trudy has been my friend since late grade school days. She was a positive, upbeat, joyous friend to all who knew her. From high school car pools, to roommates 2nd semester in West Hall at K-State, to my bridesmaid in 1971 and lifelong friend even from afar when we lived in Florida, her friendship was profoundly sweet to me. I pray her darling family will feel the loving arms of Jesus enfolding them and giving them strength as they say good bye to this wonderful mother and grandmother.

Kaler Bole Apr 11, 2024

Friend ,Kansas City ,Missouri

We all were blessed to have known her

Carolyn Zeligman Apr 11, 2024

Friend ,OLATHE ,Kansas

I loved the time I spent with her in our little neighborhood. She was always fun, positive and loving. I will miss her. Please always remember how her friends loved her.

Adrienne Dreher Benson Apr 11, 2024

High school friend of Mark and Sarah’s ,Parkville ,Missouri

Mrs. Vanderweide always made her home a fun place to hang out in high school. She was jovial and a great example as a mom and teacher. Sending love.

Apr 11, 2024

Oh, the happy memories of camping trips, Christmas parties with rent-a Santas, and family gatherings in between. So many good times. She’ll be forever remembered as a true light and pure joy. Hugs Vanderweides! Cori Wagner Herigon

Pamela J Auerbach Apr 11, 2024

Neighbor and Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

May God console you among the other mourners .May Trudy's memory be for a blessing. My life is enriched because I met Trudy. Love you,

Evelyn Lohrey Apr 12, 2024

Friend ,Olathe ,Kansas

So so sorry to hear about Trudy. She was such a joy!!!! I will be thinking of you. Thoughts and prayers

Cory & Heidi Martin Apr 12, 2024

Cousin to Sarah ,Wichita ,Kansas

We are so saddened by Trudy’s passing and the obituary perfectly states how she brought brightness wherever she was. I love her passion for education and bringing a children’s book for donation is a wonderful way to represent her.

Teresa Winke (formerly Humble) Apr 12, 2024

Friend and former neighbor ,Panama City Beach ,Florida

I was so saddened to hear of Trudy’s passing. What a wonderful person she was and she truly brightened every room she entered. God bless you all!

Teresa Winke (formerly Humble) Apr 12, 2024

Friend and former neighbor ,Panama City Beach ,Florida

I was so saddened to hear of Trudy’s passing. What a wonderful person she was and she truly brightened every room she entered. God bless you all!

Jennifer & Paige Cheffey Apr 12, 2024

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

My now 18 year old senior in high school had Mrs Vanderweide for first grade. I was so excited when Paige was assigned to her class. Such a great lady and an amazing teacher. Such a blessing Paige was able to be taught by her.

Jan Taylor Apr 12, 2024

Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Somehow, Trudy talked me into being a Cub Scout leader. Well, she was the leader and I was the helper for Mark and Kenny’s troop. She knew just what to do and made the meetings fun and entertaining. Her legacy in our family is the raw egg toss on Easter Sunday! I cherish the times we spent together and the love she poured out on Kenny and Beth. Heaven is a better place today.

Judy, Janice and Al (Short) Apr 13, 2024

Family ,Shawnee ,Kansas

We are so sorry to hear that Trudy had passed. She was a member of our family. We know she will be missed. She will be with Bob, Lois and her Husband. She is survived by her Brother also.

Sue LeClaire Apr 13, 2024

Friend ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Trudy and I were PTA CoPresidents at Rhein Benninghoven back when our kiddos were in elementary school. She was a a ray of sunshine and her enthusiastic, positive attitude made our time so fun. We saw each other at school events as all our kids grew up. She was always smiling! Kevin, Mark, Jill, and families, deepest sympathies to all of you as you remember and celebrate your mother’s life. She was a very special lady!

Wening Family Apr 14, 2024

Friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

Trudy was a true gem. Always smiling laughing- and genuinely caring. She just made you feel good to be around her. Sorry for your incredible loss. She’s dancing in heaven with Phil and looking after you.

Gail Lavenburg Apr 14, 2024

first cousin ,kansas city ,Missouri

So sorry to hear about Trudy. Janice just let me know. I have to work this evening so won't be able to make the funeral. Trudy was a wonderful lady and will be missed. condolences & prayers to the family.

Ann and Richard Perry Apr 14, 2024

Friend ,Shawnee ,Kansas

Trudy was a giver. She gave joy, she gave laughter, she gave encouragement, she gave great hugs. She gave a lot of love to everyone! She has passed on these wonderful traits to her children and grandchildren. She will be missed. Ann Perry

Jane Sieve Wilson Apr 15, 2024

What a kind, beautiful soul. I am blessed to have known her. I'm so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in my prayers.

Amy Hoelting (Schroeger) Apr 15, 2024

Former Student ,Shawnee Mission ,Kansas

My deepest condolence to the family. I pray that you all will find comfort is this difficult time. I was so fortunate to have Mrs. Vanderweide as my Teacher twice at Ray Marsh Elementary First- grade in 1993 and Sixth-grade in 1998. It's hard to remember a lot from so long ago but I remember her incredible patience and ability to make learning fun. I looked forward to going to school each day because of Mrs. Vanderwiede; I will forever be greatful for her teaching and remember this incredible women.

Photo Gallery