Trudy Ann Bensch

Trudy Ann Bensch, a spirited soul born on November 29, 1954, in Toledo, Ohio, left this world on January 20, 2025 surrounded by her family. Trudy lived her life with a vibrancy that drew people in and a generous heart that made all who crossed her path feel welcome. Her spunky personality radiated through every interaction, marked by her humor, sarcasm, and a zest for life that was truly infectious.

For many years, Trudy dedicated herself to her career at AVI Food Systems, managing various corporate cafeterias where she not only showcased her exceptional culinary skills but also displayed a natural ability to nurture and bring joy to others through food. No one could prepare a meal quite like Trudy; her famous Trudy salad was a delightful highlight in the lives of her family and friends. Trudy's love for cooking was matched only by her passion for sweets—she had a special fondness for candy that added to her playful demeanor.

As a devoted mother to her children—Edward Harmon and his wife Darla, Neal Harmon and his wife Amy Beeler, and Jacob Harmon and his wife Liz,  and Jami Verbon with fiancé Daniel Werner,—Trudy poured her heart into nurturing her family. Her role as a mother evolved beautifully into that of a beloved grandmother to her cherished grandchildren:  Lorena Sprauer, Tiffany Sprauer, Kourtney Swob and husband Ryan, Malachi Coffey, Lincoln Harmon, Ryan Verbon, and Kylie Barefield. She, indeed, wore her grandmotherly badge with pride, also embracing her identity as a great-grandmother to Aleecia, Areanna, Rylie, and Lilliana, creating a legacy of love that will be felt for generations to come.

Trudy's close bonds with her brother and sisters— Rocky Bensch and his wife Carol, Penny Handy and her husband Jeff, and Pattie Niese and her husband Greg—were a source of strength and joy. Their shared memories brought warmth and laughter into her life, a testament to Trudy's unyielding commitment to family. Additionally she leaves behind a wide array of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Throughout her life as a military wife, Trudy embraced her responsibilities with grace while creating cherished memories during her time living overseas. It was during those moments that she truly reflected her adventurous spirit and ability to thrive in any circumstance.

Trudy's journey was not without its heartaches; she is predeceased by her father Edward Bensch, mother Betty Bensch, brother Donald Bensch, sister-in-law Luann Bensch, and her granddaughters Raquel Verbon and Kallie Barefield. Though these losses are felt deeply by her family, Trudy's love and memory will forever live on in their hearts and in the countless moments they shared.

A celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 27, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at Compelled Church.   8970 Jackman Road, Temperance, MI. 48182.

As family and friends gather to celebrate the life of Trudy Ann Bensch, they are reminded of the light she brought into their lives, her unwavering generosity, and her profound ability to make every moment count. Trudy will be greatly missed but will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her.