Trudy Lyn Budge, cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend passed away on February 9, 2014 after battling for over three years with a rare and unforgiving cancer called Leiomyosarcoma.
Trudy was born in Pocatello, Idaho on November 4, 1966 to Tom and Eva Hatch and was the youngest of six sisters. Her caring and selfless nature, along with her commitment to important and sacred things, can be attributed to the wonderful parents and sisters she grew up with. Her early years were spent in Bancroft, Idaho growing up on a ranch. This gave her experiences that she would later use on many Gospel lessons and Sharing Time activities. During her pre-teen years, the Hatch family moved to Logan, Utah where she instantly made friends and set the pattern of shining and excelling in all aspects of life.
It was at the age of 14 at Logan Jr. High School that Trudy first met Carl W. Budge. Later they discovered they separately journaled that they may have just met the person they will one day marry, though way too young to ponder about it. At Logan High School Trudy was not only a cheerleader, Homecoming royalty, and an academic honor student; but she was the kind of person that made everyone feel like she was their best friend. At 16 she and Carl began their fairytale love story. Trudy made it very clear she would only marry a returned missionary. Thus it was after Carl's missionary service in Florida that they were engaged.
Trudy and Carl were married on March 10, 1989 in the Logan LDS Temple. They attended Utah State University together, where Trudy was also an Aggie cheerleader. She worked as a cheer coach for the United Spirit Association at summer camps and even traveled to foreign countries to coach aspiring young cheerleaders. After Trudy graduated with highest honors from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, they moved to Tempe, AZ where Trudy started her Masters in Elementary Education and Carl completed his college education. Soon they returned to live in the Salt Lake City area, where they have been ever since. Together they were blessed with three sons, of whom she whole-heartedly believed were put in her care to fulfill her earthly mission as a mother.
To say Trudy was a great mom is an incredible understatement. Being a wife and mother was everything to her, and offered her many great adventures as well. She often found herself out of her comfort zone and onto Black Diamond ski slopes, on the edge of tall cliffs hiking, biking, and crossing towering zip lines, etc. to be sure she was an active participant in her boys' lives. Trudy happily attended countless ball games and tennis matches and on occasion coached teams in soccer and baseball. She was frequently found volunteering in classrooms and on the PTA, and she threw the most marvelous holiday classroom parties to every child's delight. She was always sure to make each holiday a fun experience in their home, and the entire neighborhood especially loved Trudy's annual Halloween extravaganza.
Although being an incredible mother was her gift, she was also beyond exceptional at living and loving the gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She embraced every opportunity to serve in various callings, such as in the Primary Presidency, Young Women's Presidency, Relief Society, and Scouting program. Her unwavering testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ was apparent in all she did and said, and is what made her an amazing example to all who knew her. Her level of integrity and kindness inspired everyone. One of her greatest joys was having the experience of preparing and sending her oldest son on his mission to the Wichita, Kansas Spanish speaking mission this past July. Through that experience she implemented and offered to many the motto "Wake up ‚ Be Awesome ‚ Go to Bed ‚ Repeat." She treasured the role of being a missionary mom and loved sending surprises and care packages to those out serving.
Creativity, cleverness, and fun are just a few of Trudy's talents that she wonderfully used to bring joy to the lives of family and friends. Supporting and enriching the lives of Carl and her boys were her main hobbies, but she also enjoyed theater, music, and especially travelling. Carl took her on many worldwide adventures, of which Italy and China were two of her favorites. Still, the comforts of home and family were always the happiest part of her life. Trudy possessed a Christ like love for her family and all those whose lives she touched. She will always be admired and adored by those who knew her and will be remembered as a bright, shining light in this world.
Trudy is survived by her husband, Carl W. Budge and her sons Brandon, Tyler and Carter as well as her parents, Tom and Eva Hatch; her five sisters Kay (Glen) Tanner, Connie (Roy) Hatch, Janice (Nick) Smith, Lori (Jay) Jenks, and Krista (Dahl) Thompson, along with numerous nieces and nephews, who considered her a role model. A visitation will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens at 1950 East 10600 South in Sandy, Utah from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday February 14. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 15 at the Granite South LDS Stake Center in Sandy, Utah at 2130 East 10000 South (Gyrfalcon Drive) at 11:00am, with a visitation being held from 9:30-10:30am.
The family would like to thank the outpouring of love and support from healthcare professionals who have made extraordinary efforts in the care and comfort of Trudy during the past three years. They would also like to recognize the consideration from Carl's work colleagues as well as the unbelievable support and love shown by friends and neighbors who have reached out in prayer and service on their behalf.
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