Shirley C. Truesdell

Shirley C. Truesdell, 92, of Prattsville, NY, passed away at her home on Friday, February 4, 2011. She was born in Lexington, NY on March 26, 1918 to Elton B. and Blanche (Park) Cross. Shirley graduated from Gilboa-Conesville Central School in 1936. After marriage and during the years of raising her family, she returned to Gilboa as a member of the custodial staff and for many years was the cafeteria manager. This position delighted her grandchildren as Grandma was always there to supply extra helpings and an occasional "ice cream" dessert. Shirley was the leader of the Prattsville Wildcat's 4-H Program for many years. She shared her cooking and sewing skills with many local boys and girls. She taught Sunday School at the United Methodist Church. Shirley was Prattsville Town Clerk for over 20 years. She was a charter member of the Prattsville Hose Company Ladies Auxiliary and a life member of the same. She was also a life member of the Greene County Ladies Auxiliary and served as President of that organization. She retired in 1981 and soon after Shirley and her husband, David, moved to Summerfield, FL. They spent the next 23 years there, returning to New York to be closer to family in November 2004. Shirley would be the first to tell you that those 23 years were some of the happiest times of her life. They shared wonderful times entertaining family and friends during those years and Shirley could knit, crochet and bake at her leisure. Shirley and her son-in-law, Arnold, shared a special "Carrot Craze" causing the family to give them the special title of "Carrot Queen and Carrot King". She was loved by many and will be dearly missed by her family and friends. She is survived by her loving husband of 39 years, David C. Truesdell, daughters, Virginia Kennedy, Margaret (C.W.) Warren, Diana (Arnold) Jaeger, Donna (Ron Gutierrez) Ramundo, and her sister, Norma (Paul) Ellis. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Elwin Moseman and daughters Ruth (David) Kishpaugh, Janet Moseman, and Mary (David) Duncan. Friends and family are invited to call at Decker's Funeral Home in Windham, NY on Saturday, February 12, 2011 from 11 am to 2 pm, at which time a funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Greg and Pastor Rebecca Town of the Prattsville Reformed Church. A graveside service will be held at Fairlawn Cemetery in the spring. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Gilboa-Conesville Scholarship Fund, 132 Wyckoff Road, Gilboa, NY 12076.