Gertrude Veatch

Gertrude "Trudie" Schroer Veatch, 89, a lifetime resident of Valdosta, passed away on August 31, 2011 with her children and grandchildren at her bedside.

Trudie was truly an amazing woman, and at an early age, she discovered a passion for sports. After high school, her beloved mother, Julia Schroer, sent "the girl who loved to jump and run" to Boston University to study physical education. She graduated and returned where, with her longtime friend Lucille Carter of Ray City, Georgia, she established Valdosta's first kindergarten.

She continued teaching at her high school alma maters, Ward Belmont in Nashville, Tennessee, and here at Valdosta High School. She advanced her teaching career at Valdosta State University, retiring after 34 years in the physical education department.

Trudie loved raising her three daughters and being with her grandchildren. She was a "cultivator" of friendship, and her motto to "Be Happy!" was demonstrated in all aspects of her life, including her colorful hats. She loved life, and everyone that knew her could count on her bright smile, infectious laughter, and boundless energy. Trudie never let grass grow under her feet, and she enjoyed traveling, golfing, entertaining and visiting friends, and working in her beautiful yard. She loved her church and had been a longtime member and deacon at First Christian. Her dog, Mitzi, was a comfort in her later years.

Trudie asked that her family and friends not shed tears, but celebrate her life as she lived it. Her desire was to be remembered with beautiful flowers. Loved so much by so many she will be missed greatly by all.

Survivors are her daughters and sons-in-law, Julie and Karl Zalar of Tipp City, Ohio, Kathryn and David Williams of Valdosta, Gigi Daniels of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Wesley and Kimberly Langdale of Valdosta, Jim and Casey Langdale of Valdosta, Jamie Pounds of San Diego, California, Julia Daniels of Houston, Texas; four great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Wilma Schroer of Ray City; and a wide extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Schroer, Sr., her brothers and sisters-in-law, Fred and Jon Schroer, Walter and Helen Schroer, Herbert Schroer, and her children's father, Larry Veatch.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, September 4, 2011, at two p.m. in the chapel of the Carson McLane Funeral Home. Reverend Chris Michael will officiate. Interment will follow at McLane Riverview Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday evening from 5 -7 p.m. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.mclanecares.com.




Funeral Home:
Carson McLane Funeral Home
2215 North Patterson Street
Valdosta, GA
US 31602