On Sunday, May 15, 2011, Trudy Wiker suddenly and unexpectently passed away. When we received the phone call, we were shocked and in disbelief. We are all very saddened that Trudy is no longer with us. She was a very sweet person, very humble and a joy to work with. Trudy was like family. She has touched all of us throughout the years. Often we received compliments about Trudy from many of you—compliments about how nice she was to work with. We are truly blessed to have known her.

Trudy had a tremendous work ethic. She was meticulous and attentive to details. Known for tremendous follow-up and follow-through with customers and vendors, if you needed 5 minutes or 55 minutes, Trudy would spend the time needed to make sure you were completely satisfied all the while expressing a warm and friendly personality. Her demeanor and patience were second to none in our industry. She made you feel special even on the receiving end of a phone call or an email. We will greatly miss Trudy.

The night of her viewing at the funeral home was an amazing tribute to Trudy and her family. The line outside of the funeral home extended far beyond the building. It took about an hour just to get to the front door. Inside, waiting to greet everyone, were Trudy’s Mother and Father, her husband Todd, Trudy’s sister Tina, and Todd’s parents. Many of our customer- and vendor-friends expressed their sympathy with flowers along with donations to Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter. We thank each of you. Your expression to Trudy meant so much to her family and to us.

The following morning was the funeral service for Trudy. After the funeral we had a chance to speak to Trudy’s Mother. She expressed that Trudy made very good choices for her life. One can understand how Trudy turned out the way she did. A lot of her influence and personality had to have come from her parents. What a wonderful family!

Yes, Trudy made some very good choices with her life. One that many would agree was the most important, was the day she surrendered her heart to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was a decision she made long before Sunday, May 15, 2011. She knew and believed what Scripture says about going to Heaven when we leave this earth.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

This is how we know that Trudy is in Heaven right now with our Heavenly Father. And this is why we can celebrate Trudy’s life today.

Trudy’s passing was sudden and unexpected to us all—it had to have been for her as well. Suppose she had not chosen to surrender her heart to Jesus long ago? So many times when someone dies, we start to think about our own lives here on earth. Some may ask themselves if they are making the most of everyday, thinking about family and friends or about life’s priorities. But what about eternity? Where will we be when we die? Do you know if you are going to Heaven? Is that one of your priorities? If we were able to talk to Trudy today, she probably would be expressing how awesome it is to be in God’s kingdom! She is there because she made a choice to believe in Jesus Christ. We have a choice just like Trudy.

We all will miss Trudy for many reasons. And yes, her life was short lived at the young age of 39. Although, I’m not ready to leave here anytime soon, I know that one day I will be reunited with her and with many relatives and friends in Heaven. Trudy probably has everything organized and ready for me! Probably has a task list all prepared and up to date!

Trudy was a blessing to us all. We are all better people for having known her. As her parents’ influence had an impact on her, so too did Trudy’s influence have an impact on many of us. Thank you Trudy.

God Bless all of you.