Trudie K. Blender

Trudie K. (Long) Blender, 72, died September 19, 2023, at her home in rural Chase County. She was born November 23, 1950, in Parsons, to Maurice “Morrie” D. and Norma B. (Neill) Long. Trudie graduated from St. John-Hudson High School in 1969 and earned a bachelor’s degree in Home Economics Education from Kansas State University in 1973.

She was a member of Saffordville United Methodist Church, Chase County Extension Council, Chase County Farm Bureau, Elder Hostel of Emporia State University, Alpha of Clovia (Kansas State University) and Eden Valley Hustlers 4-H Club (Stafford County.) She served as a community club leader for Toledo 4-H and volunteered for the Chase County Fair for many years. Trudie was employed in office work by Dr. Ed Campbell, EVCO, Emporia Orthopedic Surgeons, and retired from the Emporia Mental Health Center (CrossWinds Counseling and Wellness).

On July 4, 1971, she married Howard E. Blender in St. John. They shared 48 years of marriage.

Trudie is survived by: daughters, Shannon Blocker and husband Jim and their children, Lauren and David, all of Westmoreland, Callie Thomsen and husband Jeremy and their daughter Jenna of Lamont, Corinne Patterson and husband Tom and their daughter Clara of Strong City; and her brothers, Jerry Long of St. John; and Tom Long and wife Nita of Omaha, NE.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard, and her parents.

Cremation has taken place.

Private family memorial service and inurnment will be at a later date. Memorials may be made to Saffordville United Methodist Church or Chase County 4-H Council in care of Brown-Bennett-Alexander Funeral Home, PO Box 220, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845.

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