“Trudy” Gertrude Placida (Valerio) Lucero, surrounded by her loving family at home, was called Home with Savior Jesus Christ early Sunday, April 7, 2013. Trudy was born Sept. 16, 1936, in Bondad, CO. After growing up in Utah, Trudy married “Jesse” Juan Jesus Lucero in 1955. They went to France where Jesse was stationed in the U.S. Army. Although far from home, newlywed Trudy enjoyed the adventures of living in France. Since she was already bilingual in English and Spanish, she was able to use the French dictionary to find a cozy apartment. She made many friends and had fond memories of their time oversees. Of all their many European experiences, it was Barcelona that left the most amazing impression. Her two oldest children, Jesse and Tino, were born in France.
Upon returning to the States, Trudy and Jesse settled in Aberdeen, ID, where they raised their six children — Jesse, Christino, Carmelita, Veronica, Patricia and Juan. Her love of God was the cornerstone of her life. She spent her time reading His Word and sharing that with those around her. A favorite verse, Psalm 118:24, This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it, radiated to all who were fortunate to be near her. In addition to caring for her family, Trudy dedicated her life in service to others. As the Migrant Home School Coordinator for the Aberdeen School District for approximately 22 years, Trudy helped migrant families settle into the community. In this role, she was a bridge builder for different cultures and languages in the community. She always taught her children to do the same.
As an Avon saleswoman, she built a devoted clientele and guided other women who were interested in starting their own business. Trudy liked to stay busy and even after retiring from the school district and Simplot, she could be found babysitting, participating in her church, volunteering at the local Senior Citizen Center. She served on the Fairview Estates Board and worked the polls on Election Day. Even when she was no longer able to be as active, she loved to attend church, hosted bible study at her home, and had a house full of visitors up until her last day.
Trudy loved spending time with her family and always had cookies or ice cream on hand for visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed nature, gardening and birdwatching as she loved to admire God’s creation.
Trudy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jesse; her parents, Juanita and Crestino Valerio, and brothers Crestino and David Valerio and others who died shortly after birth, sister Gloria Romero, all of Utah; and great-granddaugher Mariah Lucero. She is survived by her children, Jesse (Yolanda) Lucero of Ogden, UT, Christino Lucero, of Pocatello, Carmelita (Asnoldo) Benitez, Veronica (Eddie) McArthur, of Aurora, CO, and Patricia (Mitch) Barker, of Gunnison, CO. Juan (Jessica) Lucero; her sisters, Sally (Manual) Rodriguez, Juanita (Don) Petit, Linda Castonia, all of WA, Carol (Eli) Renteria, Irene Trujillo, all of Utah; her brothers, Tony (Carla) Valerio, Joe Valerio, Tom (Jodi) Valerio, and sister-in law, Lucy Valerio, all of Utah; other beloved family members Ed, Judy, Duby, Cory and Cindy and others; 15 grandchildren, Dani McCormick, Vanessa Fuentes, Monica and Jesse Jr. Lucero, Joe Lucero, Cristina Armstrong, Sara and Asnoldo Jr. Benitez, Marcial Mejia, Jessica, Melissa and Anthony McArthur, Sophia and Rachel Barker, Sarah Prestidge, Jurnee, Yzabella and Amadeo Lucero; and great-grandchildren Angel, Emiliana, Athena, Felicia, Renae, Adelina, Leo, Mario, Monique, Amilia, Camry, Sienna, Celica, Joni; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Laura Quezada and Nancy Palomares Torres, for all of their dedicated and loving care for our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother over the last year.
The viewing will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 12, at Davis-Rose Mortuary, 170 Idaho St., American Falls. The funeral service will follow on Saturday, April 13, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Chapel in Aberdeen. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.davisrosemortuary.com.
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