Gertrude E. Johnson

https://webcasts.lifetributes.com/1080636

Trudy (Kidwell) Johnson, 73, of Gahanna, Ohio passed away on July 27, 2020 of COVID-19. Her family will receive friends from 2:30-4:30 pm on Tuesday, August 4th followed immediately by the memorial service at 4:30 pm at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST, 1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna. Pastor Tim Swanson of Shepherd Nazarene will be officiating. Masks and social distancing will be required.

Trudy was born to the late Jim and Julia Kidwell on March 10, 1947 in Columbus, Ohio. She was raised in Gahanna, a charter member of Stonybrook UMC and graduated from Gahanna Lincoln High School in 1965, with many fond memories of her friends. Trudy married Rod Johnson in 1968. They spent much of their married life in Cambridge, Ohio, where they raised their two daughters, Mandy and Meredith. They were married for nearly 40 years.

Trudy worked in several vocations, including roles at Shadwick's Hardware, PERS, as a teacher's aide in East Guernsey Schools, and as a childcare provider in her home. She had to stop working in her early 30's when the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis took away her ability to work outside the home. Trudy remained as active as possible despite MS, supporting her husband and the volleyball teams he coached (Thanks to the Jerry/Martha Starr family), going to all of her daughters' high school sporting events (thanks to the wonderful Dave/Janet Mitchell family), card club, The Eureka Garden Club and being an active member of the Cambridge/Zanesville MS Support Group. She adored all of her neighbors in Cambridge - N. 10th Street was the best!

In 2007, Trudy moved back to the Gahanna area where she enjoyed daily visits with her sister, Becky, her two daughters and their families. During the past several years, she has thrived in the love and care of Otterbein Senior Life. Otterbein nursing staff Irina, Kendra and George had a special place in Trudy's heart, along with her friends Mary and Suzanette. She enjoyed visiting with her special friend, Rick Morris with whom she recently reunited.

Trudy was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Julia Kidwell. She is survived by her sister, Becky Kidwell, her daughters, Mandy (Brent) Stark and Meredith (Brian) Nash, grandchildren Lily Stark, Avery Nash and Colby Nash, and several cousins. Trudy also leaves her former husband Rod Johnson, brothers-in-law Steve (Shannon) Johnson and Russell Johnson, along with nephew Brian (Toni) Johnson and great niece Aubrey Johnson.

Trudy leaves us better for having known and loved her. Her humor, resilience, and indomitable spirit are an example from which we can all learn. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the National MS Society or Shepherd Nazarene Church's Senior Adult Ministry, who visited Trudy and sent her cards and gifts often.