Gertrude “Trudy” Rausch Kruzick

Gertrude “Trudy” Rausch Kruzick, daughter of the late Francis “Butch” Rausch and Gertrude M. Meyer Rausch, passed peacefully on Feb. 6, in hospice care at Flagler Hospital of St. Augustine, Florida with her husband Larry by her side. 

Trudy was born May 6, 1947. After attending Winamac High School, she earned her bachelor’s degree from Purdue University. She then volunteered to be part of the Vista program in the Amish area of Ohio. Her huge smile and sunny, loving disposition helped her make friends wherever she went. 

On Dec. 27, 1974, she married Larry “Kruz” Kruzick. It was at this point her adventures truly began. Whether dipping her toes in the Atlantic or Pacific, watching the dolphins or walking on the beach, her life continued to be a full one. 

After husband Larry’s drag racing career  in California and lots of sailing time in Mexico, they settled into life on their boat Sun Song II at St. Augustine, Florida. She was an insurance adjuster there for many years. 

Her favorite pastime was riding her bicycle around old St. Augustine. She also had a special place in her heart for her beloved cats, Saffo, Little Feet and P.C.

Trudy is survived by sisters: Joyce [Art] Kelsey, special long distance sister Helen [life partner Darren Racca] Rausch and Mary [Tom] Seidel; brothers: Dr. F. David [Linda] Rausch and Larry [Cloretta] Rausch. 

Brothers John, Dr. Mosey and Dan preceded her in death.

She will be deeply missed. 

A celebration of her beautiful life will be at a later date. 

(Pulaski County Journal — April 12, 2023)