May 10, 1921 to August 09, 2016

Celebrating the life of Gertrud Anna Henderson who brought delight to the world for 95 years. Find details and photos from her memorial service and visit her memories page to view and share family photos.  

Born May 10, 1921, Gertrud was a spunky girl who arrived in the United States prior to WWII as a 16-year old who wanted to experience life outside of the confines of a small European town. She helped raise her brother and sisters since her father, a farmer, died when she was very young. She was a woman of character, integrity, perseverance, strength and kindness and would do anything for those she loved. A wonderful cook, she learned to make food taste terrific for her siblings with few ingredients out of necessity. Those early years were carried throughout her long life.

You never left her home without being fed. She believed in the benefits of eating whole foods and was an early devotee of vitamins and exercise.

She liked nothing better than to feel the wind in her hair, to swim, hike and go camping into her 80’s and thought convertibles were the most beautiful cars in the world, no matter the year of the car or its condition.

A devoted woman who never removed her wedding ring, she was married to Charles ‘Chuck’ Henderson, the love of her life who preceded her in death in 1980. She was dedicated to Chuck who was diagnosed with Alzheimers at 50. She took care of him until she no longer could do so at home, then drove over a hundred miles each weekend to the hospital he was put in, then once moved, visited him constantly in the new hospital trying everything from vitamins to a faith healer to get him well.

Known by many as Trudy, Gertrud, Nana, Oma, Dodo or simply Mom, she will be greatly missed. She leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion. Her children Joan and husband Stan (La Quinta, CA), Stuart Henderson (Etna, CA), Denise and husband Rick Rybicki (San Diego, CA); grandchildren, Melonie Gallegos and partner Rob Marlbrough, Bridget Varvel and husband Justin Varvel, adopted daughter Cathy Lemp, Cricket Henderson. And, great grandchildren Izalia Harrell, Faith and Santino Varvel and extended family Larissa, Jake, Nathanial and Grayson Doss, Stella Johnson, and her dear friend Brigitte Kirsch. Trudy’s family can never fully express their thanks to the wonderful people of Legend Gardens in Palm Desert for such loving care in the last months of her life.