
Trudy Elaine Battjes
What do you remember about Trudy? Share your stories and photos here, and invite others to come share their memories.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Trudy Elaine Battjes, our beloved wife, mother, grandma, friend, and coach to many, she was 68 years old. Trudy was born a day after Christmas in 1955, a daughter of the late Rudy M. Drexler Sr. and Elaine I. (Hardman) Drexler.
On November 8, 1980, Trudy married a handsome young man named Robert John "Bob" Battjes, in a ceremony at St. John's Episcopal Church Elkhart. They built a wonderful life together with their two children Edward N. (Abigail) Battjes, Benjamin M. (Bethany) Battjes, and was a loving and doting Grandma to Dalton A. Battjes, Summer G. Battjes, Marian E. Battjes, Elizabeth J. "Lizzy" Battjes and Maggie Mae Battjes; also surviving is a brother Rudy M. Drexler Jr.; her mother-in-law Mary Jean Borneman and her precious fur baby Elise. Two brothers John H. Drexler and Edward T. Drexler preceded her in death.
Trudy was a 1974 graduate of Elkhart Memorial High School and a proud 1978 graduate of Purdue University "Boiler Up!" with a BA in Education and was a member of the first Purdue women's golf team.
Her teaching and coaching career began at Concord under Millie Ferro, she then coached track and volleyball at Northside Junior High School. Trudy then went to Elkhart Central High School where she served as the Assistant Athletic Director and Internship Coordinator of Career Exploration, and also coached swimming. She retired from Elkhart Central as the Athletic Director.
Trudy was well known for her love of all animals, especially greyhounds. She started and for many years was in charge of Greyhound Companions Indiana., a greyhound adoption and placement organization.
Most of all, Trudy's family was the center of her life, she loved to cook and entertain all who came under her care. She loved living on Klinger Lake and all lake life had to offer and she and Bob ended each day watching the beautiful sunsets from her deck. A beautiful soul, she will be greatly missed and loved.
Trudy's family will be having a private mass for her at St. John's Episcopal Church in Sturgis.
The family is inviting everyone to celebrate Trudy's life in an open time of sharing and fellowship on Friday, May 31, 2024, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Klinger Lake Country Club, 21050 US-12, Sturgis, MI 49091.
Trudy's family kindly request any memorial donations to: St. John's Episcopal Church, 110 S. Clay St., Sturgis, MI 49091, Corporate Angels Network, 1 Loop Rd., White Plains, NY 10604, or Lazarex Cancer Foundation, 50 Oak Ct., #200, Danville, CA 94526. Per her wishes, cremation was chosen under the care of Billings Funeral Home, Elkhart, where condolences may be sent online at www.billingsfuneralhome.com
