Gertrude Lee “Trudy” Dunham, 79, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the home of her daughter, surrounded by the love of her family, following a courageous battle with cancer.
Trudy was born on June 19, 1945, in Granite City, Illinois, the daughter of the late James and Ruth (Wolfe) Abbott. She attended schools in Jerseyville and graduated with the Class of 1963 from Jersey Community High School. She went on to attend Evangel College in Springfield, Illinois.
On September 4, 1965, Trudy married George Leland “Jugger” Dunham at the First Assembly of God Church in Jerseyville. Together, they built a life centered around faith and family, raising two children and creating countless cherished memories. They shared nearly 40 years of marriage before George’s passing on February 18, 2005. Trudy often spoke fondly of their years together, cherishing the family they built and the love they shared.
Later in life, Trudy found companionship and joy with her fiancé, Rich Webb. His support and care brought her love, joy, and comfort during her later years, and their relationship was a source of light as she faced her illness with grace and courage.
Faith was the cornerstone of Trudy’s life, and she was an active and devoted member of Abundant Church in Alton for over 50 years. She was a gifted pianist who served her congregation by playing for Sunday services, holiday programs, and special occasions for 40 years. Her love for music and her unwavering faith inspired all who knew her.
She found particular inspiration in the words of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” These words guided her daily life and the love she shared with those around her.
When her children were young, Trudy devoted herself to being a stay-at-home mom, giving them a childhood filled with love, guidance, and support. As they grew, she embarked on a career that included time at Lewis and Clark Community College, where she worked for the college’s radio station, and later at Union Electric and Ameren in St. Louis, where she was employed for 15 years. Upon her retirement, Trudy found her greatest joy in helping to care for her grandchildren, becoming their beloved “Nanny” Her dedication and love for her grandchildren mirrored the same commitment she gave her own children.
Never one to remain idle, Trudy later pursued a career in real estate. She began with Wooff Realtors and later joined Tarrant & Harman Real Estate & Auction Co., where her love for people and desire to make an impact made her a trusted and respected agent.
Trudy will be deeply missed by her children and their spouses, Jill and John Goldacker of Jerseyville and Jason and Chelsea Dunham of Godfrey; her seven grandchildren, Baylee Goldacker of Austin, TX, Brendan (Morgan) Goldacker of Austin, TX, Alex Goldacker of Houston, TX, Nathan (Kay) Goldacker of St. Petersburg, FL, Iris (Layne) Taylor of Gillespie, Mya Dunham of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and Ava Dunham of Godfrey; and her great-grandson, Jude Taylor, with another great-grandchild on the way.
She is also survived by her fiancé, Rich Webb; her sister and brother-in-law, Ellen and Thomas LaPlant of Alton; her brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Sherry Abbott of Jerseyville; sisters-in-law, Thelma Talkington, Eileen Abbott, and Amanda Abbott; brothers-in-law, David Dunham and Jay Howard; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two brothers, David and Morris Abbott; two brothers-in-law, Frank Dunham and Mike Talkington; and a sister-in-law, Frances Howard.
Trudy’s life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and love. Her unwavering devotion to her family, her church, and her community will leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.
Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m., Thursday, January 23, 2025, at Abundant Life Community Church in Alton. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville.
Memorials may be given to Abundant Church, in honor of Trudy’s lifelong commitment to her faith and her church family.
