Gertrude “Trude” Willa Perkins was born October 29, 1923, west of Elkhart, Kansas, to Bill and Ona Pearl Swagerty. She grew up with her five siblings in a Christian home that laid the foundation for a life shaped by her devotion to Christ and her church.

In 1945, Trude married Louis “Perk” Perkins, and together they raised three children. Their lives centered around faith and family. Trude spent most of her life in Elkhart, where she was deeply rooted in her community and church. She worked for many years at Pioneer Men’s Store and volunteered at The First Church of God, forming lasting friendships along the way.

After Perk’s passing, Trude continued to live a full and active life, especially enjoying time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Trude is survived by her children, son, Eric Perkins and wife Lisa of Lander, Wyoming; daughter, Stephanie Murray and husband Craig of Elkhart, Kansas; and son, Tim Perkins and wife Tonnah of Elkhart, Kansas; along with seven grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren.

Trude’s presence brought peace and joy to everyone around her — joy being her favorite word and the essence of her life. Her faith in Christ, love of reading, service to others, and devotion to family defined her 102 remarkable years.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM at The First Church of God in Elkhart. A private interment will be at the Elkhart Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given to The First Church of God or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in care of Garnand Funeral Home, PO Box 854, Elkhart, KS 67950. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.