Trudy Ann Reuland of Laramie died on January 27, 2024, at Hospice of Laramie. She was 75 years old. Cremation has taken place. Trudy was born on August 10, 1948, in Rock Springs, Wyoming. She was the daughter of Bertha May and Malon Levi Waldron.
Trudy graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Elementary Education and Special Education. She met her future husband, Walter P. Reuland at that institution. They were wed on August 12, 1970. Walter and Trudy were foster parents to many children with disabilities before starting their own family. They had two children, Philip and Sarah.
Trudy taught in Albany County School District #1 for 43 years. She started her career teaching special education before moving to the 5th grade. She spent much of her career at Spring Creek Elementary School. Not only did she teach the youngsters in her classes, but she mentored numerous student teachers as well. During her tenure with the district, Trudy pioneered the school Therapy Dog program with her specially trained Labrador retriever, “Lady.” She was honored as ACSD #1 Teacher of the Year during her 40th year.
Trudy was also an accomplished equestrian, both in the arena and out on the trails. She competed successfully with her mare, “Amy” at the Windy Wyoming Horse Trials and other venues. She always enjoyed trail riding with Walter on the mountain trails in the Snowy Range and Happy Jack area, with Headquarters Trail being a favorite. Cross-country skiing was her preferred winter sport. She dabbled in various hobbies over the years, including crocheting, flower gardening, and collecting cookie jars, commemorative spoons, and thimbles. She also took pleasure in her collection of jewelry.
She was supportive of her children Philip and Sarah, and their endeavors in marching band, 4-H, Speech and Debate, and many other activities as they were growing up. In later years Trudy was equally supportive of her grandsons.
Shortly before her retirement she and Walter began taking cruises. While they always enjoyed traveling, they especially enjoyed these trips.
Trudy was preceded in death by Walter in 2016. She is survived by a sister, Nikki (Mike) Stucker of Casper, Wyoming, a brother, Greg (Diane) Waldron of Casper, her sister-in-law Florence (Bill) Eichenberg of Ridgecrest, California, her son Philip and wife Jody of Cheyenne, and daughter Sarah, of Laramie. Her grandchildren include James Cameron Booze II, Matthew Levi Ness, Nicolas Mason Griffin, and Henry Malon Reuland. She is also survived by her nieces, nephews, maternal aunt Susie, and family friends Jennie Lawrence and Mark Rehwaldt.
At Trudy’s request, no services will be held. A private family memorial with take place later in the summer.
The family would like to give special thanks to Hospice of Laramie for their excellent care of Trudy. Also at her request, instead of flowers memorial contributions may be made to that organization.
Trudy made a huge difference in my son’s life while teaching at vital school. She will always be remembered as an angel down the hall.
Trudy was and exceptional teacher and a wonderful person. Before The passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), severely handicapped elementary students in Albany County were all assigned to one classroom, and Trudy was the teacher. The classroom was eventually located in Beitel Elementary School where I met Trudy. Before the implementation of the ADA, Trudy, with the assistance of the Beitel classroom teacher, started mainstreaming children from her classroom, into the traditional classrooms for specialists (art, music, and physical education). This practice became standard practice after the passage ADA. Trudy was a very remarkable teacher and person.