Trula May Wardell

Trula May (nee Lanier) Wardell, 95, passed peacefully on to eternal life on October 14, 2020 with her daughter by her side. Beloved mother of Karen (Peter) Rasmussen and loving grandmother of Michael (Emily Ramsey) Berte. Further survived by her loving sister Gertrude (nee Lanier) Ruymaker, brothers Harrell Lanier and Gary Lanier; step-grandchildren Adam Rasmussen and Joshua (Samantha) Rasmussen; and many wonderful nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 54 years, James W. Wardell; her parents Wayne and Gertrude Lanier; and eight additional siblings. Trula was born in Durham, NC and grew up in Bronx, NY in a large loving family as the oldest of 12 children. She left high school to help support her family, later proudly earning her diploma at age 45. She married James just before he was deployed to Europe during WWII, and they began their married life upon his return following the war. Family was always first for Trula. A loving mother, grandmother, wife, sister, aunt, and friend, Trula was always helping others. She was an accomplished seamstress, and also displayed her talent and creativity in her oil painting, cooking, crocheting, ceramics, and gardening. Even until age 85, she extended her generosity beyond family by cooking for a food program at her church to feed homeless citizens in the community. She will be remembered by those who knew her as “a sweet lady” with a smile for everyone. Trula moved to Wisconsin at age 85 to be close to her daughter. She resided at Three Pillars Compass Point Assisted Living in Dousman, WI for 7 years, followed by a brief residence at Three Pillars Riverside Lodge Memory Care. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful staff at Three Pillars for their compassionate and excellent care. Trula entered hospice care at her daughter’s home, followed by her final days at AngelsGrace Hospice in Oconomowoc, WI. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the ProHealth Home Hospice and AngelsGrace Hospice staff for their gentle compassion and skillful care, and for providing a peaceful journey to eternal rest. The family is being served by Pagenkopf Funeral Home in Oconomowoc, WI. Trula will be buried in FL with her husband, James, at a future date. Out of respect for the health of family and friends, a celebration of life will be delayed until 2021 due to the current Covid-19 pandemic. In lieu of flowers, if desired, please consider a memorial donation to Feeding America (www.FeedingAmericaWI.org ) or other non-profit focused on providing food to persons in need. Most importantly, in Trula’s honor, live each day with kindness.