Trudy Ann Strong

This world lost a brilliant light in the early morning of February 4th 2026 as Trudy Ann Strong (Umphryes) left us in the presence of her Lord. No services are planned at this time, but a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Indiana where Trudy was born and spent most of her life.

Trudy was born on October 3, 1947 in Gary, Indiana to parents, Grover Jr. Umphryes and Betty Gene Umphryes (Laviolette). Trudy passed away at home and at peace after a courageous 14-month long struggle with complications from a stroke.

Trudy spent 25 years as a hair dresser, for a majority of that time owning and operating her own shop. She was also a professional comedian for over a decade, and most recently a local painter; selling and donating her beautiful paintings in and around Cortez, CO. She loved children and was probably most proud of being a wonderful mother to her six children and grandmother to her 9 grandchildren. Anyone who knew her, even for a short time, became almost instantly aware of her rare and extraordinary gift to make people smile and laugh. It was a blessing and a credit to her self-sacrifice and graceful caring nature that she never lost this gift to the very end of her life with us, despite the pain and suffering that she personally endured.

Her memory and love will live on with her sons Kristofer (Maddie) and Kiley (Ondrea) Whited, daughters Elizabeth (Aaron) Degroff and Sara (John) Brown, son Matt Strong, sister Janet Lee Wireman and brothers Grover Duane and Robert Gene Umphryes. As well as grandchildren Dominick, Cassidy, Abby, Avalyn, Henry, Mackenzie, James, Kaitlyn and Aubrey.

Trudy is now at eternal peace with the Lord and her parents Grover and Betty Umphyres, son Keith Richard Whited, brother Terry Lee Umphyres and beloved husband Alan Lee Strong.