Trudy L. Stephenson

Trudy L. Stephenson, born on October 16, 1953, in Chillicothe, Ohio, fell asleep in Jesus awaiting his return on February 16, 2026, just shy of her 73rd birthday. She resided in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, where she was a beloved member of the community and cherished member of the Wisconsin Rapids Seventh Day Adventist Church. A verse that Trudy lived by was Proverbs 31:31 - "Honor her for all that her hands have done and let her work bring her praise at the city gate". Trudy was a living embodiment of this verse, always using her hands to create love and warmth for those around her through her hobbies of knitting, sewing, and crocheting.

Trudy was a graduate of Jackson High School, class of 1971, and it was in Jackson, Ohio that she served her community as a committed Certified Nursing Assistant in healthcare. She lived in Jackson, Ohio for 54 years before the family moved to Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. She had a heart that could not turn away any creature in need, which led to her home often being a refuge for stray animals. Her love for nature extended to birdwatching and hunting for mushrooms, practices she found both therapeutic and joyful. Trudy's life was a beautiful tapestry of compassionate care for others, a testament to the strength of her faith and the depth of her love for her family.

Trudy is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Paul "Mike" Stephenson, their two loving sons, Charles (Fiancé Sheila) Stephenson and Timothy Stephenson; her daughter-in-law, Stevie Stacy whom shared a special mother/ daughter relationship with Trudy; her caring brother, Edwin (Sonja) Simpson; her supportive sister, Barbara (Tim) Hukill; her grandchildren, Serenity, Charytee, Elizabeth, Landon, Abbi, Eain and Terryaus; her best friend, Karen (Jerry) Johnson; step sister-in-law, Debra Hutchison and all of her nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends that also shares in the family's grief. Trudy was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Doris Simpson, and recently by her brother, Jerry Simpson.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Wisconsin Rapids Seventh Day Adventist Church. 611 24th St. North with a meal to follow. Visitation will be held from 10:15 a.m. until the time of the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Wisconsin Rapids Seventh Day Adventist Youth Ministry or the South Wood County Humane Society.

The family would like to thank the staff of Aspirus Hospice, her daughter-in-law, Stevie Stacy, and to her church family, especially Barb Tesser and Betty Hill for all the care they have given Trudy and her family.

As we remember Trudy, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life of service, love, and faith. We encourage those who knew Trudy to share their memories and upload photos to her memorial page. In this way, we can keep her spirit alive, honoring her for all that her hands have done, and letting her work continue to bring good memories of her.