Gertrude "Trudy" E. Dwyer Witcher

Trudy was born March 10, 1926, the only child of Fred and Katherine Dwyer. She attended Redemptorist Grade School and Redemptorist High School. She received her nursing degree from St. Joseph School of Nursing and received her Bachelor of Science degree from The College of Saint Francis.

On September 8, 1947, she married the love of her life, James David Witcher Jr.

Trudy was a lifelong resident of the Kansas City area. She was an outstanding nurse for over 50 years, working at St. Joseph Hospital where she was the Supervisor of Surgery, until she retired. Never one to sit still too long, she came out of retirement to work at Research Main and Research Belton until retiring for the second time in 2004 at the age of 78.

Trudy was a devout Catholic all her life and was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church.

Trudy will always be remembered as the best mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and a friend to all who were graced by her presence.

Mom will be dearly missed by her nine children, Kathy Hinson-Thoelke (Mike) of Overland Park, Kan., Michaela Witcher of St. Louis, Mo., Martha Witcher of Kansas City, Mo., John Witcher, of Kansas City, Mo., Bridget Peck (Dustin) of Harrisonville, Mo., Robert Witcher (Susan) of Leawood, Kan., Daniel Witcher (Brenna) of Kansas City, Mo., Mary Witcher-Smith (Troy) of Raymore, Mo., and Patrick Witcher (Jennifer) of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. She was very proud of her 14 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by countless other family members, friends and co- workers.

Trudy and JD's front door was never locked and endless friends were always welcome for a short visit or for an extended stay. Trudy was recognized in 1985 as KMBC's "Super Mom," and had March 10, 2001, declared "Gertrude Ellen Witcher Day" in Kansas City by then Mayor Emanuel Cleaver. Not surprising to anyone who knew her. Trudy was preceded in death by her loving husband James David (JD) Witcher Jr., her father Fred (Hus) Dwyer, her mother Katherine (Babe) Dwyer, and her son-in-law Richard (Dick) Hinson.

Visitation services will be held at McGilley State Line Chapel, 12301 State Line Rd., Kansas City, Mo., on Wednesday, March 9, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, 8510 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Mo., on Thursday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 7601 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, Mo.

Memorial contributions may be made in Trudy's name at Hospice House, 12000 Wornall Rd., Kansas City, Mo. 64145.

The family wishes to send many thanks to all the staff at Villa Ventura and Comfort Keepers. A special thanks and gratitude goes to the staff at Kansas City Hospice House for their wonderful help and support during a most difficult time.