Gail Trullinger March 24, 1955-July 27, 2009
Gail Trullinger, 54, of Mount Ayr, Iowa, died July 27, 2009 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Gail was born on March 24, 1955, in Leon, Iowa, the daughter of Gene and Ruth (Lemonds) Noftsger. She was valedictorian of the 1973 Grand Valley high school class and a State of Iowa Scholar. Driven by a passion to teach and a love of music, she earned bachelors’ degrees in elementary education and music education with a minor in piano from Graceland College in Lamoni. She studied with great enthusiasm and graduated a semester early in 1976 — cum laude. In 1991 she earned her master’s degree in educational technology from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, Missouri.
She married Steve Trullinger on July 20, 1974. Together they had three sons, Jared, Mark and Kevin. They have always been her greatest source of pride and joy. She enjoyed attending all the events in their lives, including sports, music, drama and church activities. As much as Gail loved her boys, a little girl stole her heart. Her granddaughter, Stella, was born in April of 2007 and brought a whole new world of happiness.
In addition to her family, church and community involvement were central to Gail’s life.
Gail was a talented musician who shared her gift most notably by playing organ and piano at her church for over 30 years. In addition to her music ministry, Gail was an elder at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and past-chair of the church board.
She taught Sunday school and vacation bible school and led the youth group.
Gail began teaching in the Mount Ayr Community school district in 1978. She taught several grades at the elementary level, most recently sixth grade. She was past-president on the boards for Big Bird Preschool and the Ringgold County Childcare Center. She was an active member of the Mount Ayr Community Schools Teacher’s Association. Gail also was a part of Ladies Unlimited and held several offices in the organization over the years.
She had a bright smile, a kind heart and a laugh that was contagious. Her gentle way was disarming and her fighting spirit was inspirational, especially as she braved many medical challenges in recent years. Always gracious and devoted, she showed by example how to live a life with great purpose. Forever learning and ever teaching’Gail blessed the lives of all those she met.
Gail is survived by her loving husband, Steve, of Mount Ayr, Iowa; son Jared Trullinger, daughter-in-law Amy and granddaughter Stella of Iowa City, Iowa; son Mark Trullinger of Centerville, Iowa and his fianc??, Deepti Pradhan; son Kevin Trullinger of Clive, Iowa; mother, Ruth Noftsger of Kellerton, Iowa; brother, Morris Noftsger and sister-in-law Julie of Kiefer, Oklahoma; sister, Amy Podzimek of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; brother, John Noftsger and sister-in-law Darla of Tulsa, Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Roxie Trullinger of Mount Ayr, Iowa; nieces; nephews; aunts; uncles; cousins and many other relatives, friends and former students.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gene Noftsger, and father-in-law, Doyle Trullinger.
Services were conducted at the First Christian Church in Mount Ayr on Wednesday, July 29, 2009. Rev. Edward Shields and Rev. Gwen Trullinger officiated. Musicians were Drew Ingram, Mary Davenport, Margaret Bickers and Ginny Eighmy. Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers were Sam Podzimek, Tim Noftsger, Jake Noftsger, Ted Zimmerly, Scott Brand, Steve Konnath, Scott Konnath, Matt Noftsger, Ben Noftsger, David Trullinger and Joey Beltran.
Gail was laid at rest in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr.
