Trudy Paulson

Trudy D. Paulson passed away peacefully of natural causes with her children, grandchildren, and her life long love, Norman by her side on Saturday, August 23, 2014. Trudy was the oldest child of three children born to Oscar and Louise Grendal on February 10, 1937 in Wheeler, Montana. The family moved to Dooley, MT and then later settled in Whitetail, MT. She attended elementary school in Whitetail, MT and high school in Flaxton, MT where she graduated in 1955. On June 4, 1955 she married Norman Paulson in Flaxville, MT. They made their home at Fort Bragg, NC while Norman was stationed in the 82nd Airborne. They returned to Montana on leave in the fall of 1955. Trudy stayed in Montana while Norman returned to NC to finish out his service until his discharge in August of 1956. After Norman's discharge they eventually settled in Glasgow where he worked a civil service job and Trudy waitressed at Sam's Supper Club. In 1967 they moved to Billings. From their marriage they brought three children into this world, Louise (LuAnn), Lowell (Butch), and Lanae (Dawn). Trudy and Norman divorced in 1973 and later rekindled their friendship and family ties. Trudy was employed as a ranch cook as a teen, a retail clerk for Penneys (downtown Billings), a school bus driver in the early '70's, and an in-home caregiver for The Nursing Pool and Valley Healthcare. She retired in 1984 due to health issues. Dancing and softball were two of her favorite pastimes. She wasn't always able to make all of Dawn and the kids' ball games but she surely tried. She took every opportunity to dance, whether it be in her kitchen or in a dance hall with her family. Her son's hair competitions were very important to her and she was very proud of his accomplishments. She had a zest for life and loved camping, fishing and other outdoor activities. Although Mom didn't have much to share, she took great pleasure from cooking/baking and giving it to family and friends. Her oldest daughter shared her love of baking and they would often compare recipes and laugh over mistakes made in the oven. Another great love of hers was gardening. Many great meals, pickles, and preserves were a product of her gardening skills. Until her health would not allow her to do so, she hosted large family holiday dinners and barbecues. Mom was very much in love with her grand, great-grand and great-great grandchildren. She spent many hours caring for them, whether it be cooking them a meal, crocheting them a blanket, baking them a cookie, or just sitting and listening to them while giving them her best advice. Farmers Market and garage sales were favorite pastimes that she shared with her sister Sharon. Mom also found great comfort and enjoyment in the companionship of her many pets. She is survived by her daughter Louise (LuAnn) Barman of Billings, MT; Lowell (Butch) Paulson (Jeff) of Billings; Lanae (Dawn) Paulson-Morgan (Gary) of Helena; her grandchildren Susan Locken-Hodges; Jerred Berns; April Berns; Leinani Hance (Tim); and Taylor Barman; Richard (Bubba) Morgan; and Joey (Joe-Man) Paulsonmorgan. Her great grandchildren, Trevor; Kennedy; Elizabeth; Liam; Zane; Reese; Kaynan; Tammy and Samantha; her great-great grandson Isaiah as well as nieces and nephews that she loved and her dog Reba. Trudy was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Sharon Unsworth; her brother Harold "Smokey" Grendal; her grandson Greg Locken Jr. and two nieces. Mom, we will miss your warm hugs and laughter. You had a wonderful way of lighting up a room and making a bad situation better. Your home was always welcoming; a safe and soft place to fall for family and friends. Over the years you had many "orphans" that you welcomed in to the family who also called you Mom. Thank you for making us the people we are; good, bad or indifferent. We love and miss you very much. Heaven has gained an angel to watch over us. Say hello to everyone for us! We would like to thank Mom's many friends who have helped us keep a close eye on her and watch over her when we couldn't be there. We, as well as Mom, appreciate your time, love, support and compassion. You know who you are! Viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 29 with Funeral Services to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Dahl Funeral Chapel. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.dahlfuneralchapel.com