Gertrude Nelson Thody Bennion

Gertrude Cannon Neslen Thody Bennion, 100, passed quietly away at the home of her daughter in Tempe, Arizona on March 26, 2012. Trudie was born in Salt Lake City on September 3, 1911 to C. Clarence Neslen and Grace Cannon Neslen. She attended Salt Lake City schools; Lowell Elementary, Bryant Jr. High and LDS High School before attending the University of Utah where she joined Chi Omega sorority. It was at the U. where she met Alan Thody, whom she later married in 1935 in Washington D.C. where Alan attended law school at George Washington University. It was in Washington D.C. that her first two children were born. Trudie and Alan were the parents of five children. Jane(Robert Breinholt), Julie (David Curtis), William Alan Jr. (Billy), Catherine, and Louis Alan (Ladd). She is survived by two of her children, Julie and Cathie. In 1947 Trudie and Alan moved to Southern California where they lived in San Marino. Trudie later moved to Pasadena and Palm Springs. After Alan's passing in 1966 she married Adam Y. Bennion with whom she spent a very happy 20 years. Trudie lived in California for 64 years prior to spending her last two years in Tempe, Arizona so she could be close to her daughters. Trudie was a great example to all who knew her. She was sterling example of what a positive attitude can do to help you through difficult times. She lost two husbands and three children and always moved ahead with amazing resilience and grace. All who knew her became a friend and fan of hers. She served in many Church callings including Relief Society President and was a life-long member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Trudie made everyone feel special and was a master at turning the conversation away from herself to inquire about the well being of others. She was a gracious hostess, wonderful friend, wonderful cook, and was always cheerful. She loved to play golf, bridge, and to paint. Her home was a magnet to others, especially to her 10 grandchildren who always brought friends to stay at her Palm Springs home every spring break, and every chance they could. She is survived by 10 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren, who all adore her. She is also survived by Adam's 6 children Judy Bush, Carol Bennion, Mary Bennion, Annette Sisk, Jessie Solomon, and Adam Jr. and also 11 great grandchildren of Adam's. Special thanks go to the wonderful caregivers from Hospice of the Valley Arizona, especially Cindy, Kate and Edith, who made her last year so much more comfortable, and for the devoted care she received from her daughter Cathie , with whom she lived for the last several years. Funeral and burial will be on April 2, 2012 in Whittier, California at White Emerson Mortuary and Rose Hills Cemetery.