Gertrude P. Schneider

Gertrude P. (Rippens) Manson Schneider age 94, of Rockford, MI, passed away on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Emerald Meadows due to complications of Alzheimer's Dementia. Trudie was born on 12-18-1925 Grand Rapids (North Park). She graduated from Creston High School. After graduation, she worked as a switchboard operator for Michigan Bell Telephone Company. She married William (Bill) Manson in 1946 at North Park Presbyterian Church. She and Bill settled in North Park, on Coit Avenue. Her life was centered with love and devotion on her husband, 4 children and many cherished, lifelong friends. When Bill retired, they sold the house and became full time RVer's. She became a snowbird at age 55. They traveled to McAllen, Texas for the winters and traveled around Michigan in the summers, calling Rockford their home base. After Bill passed away in 1990, she continued to travel south to McAllen for the winters. In 1997, she met Millard Schneider, and they were married in 2000. Millard passed away in 2014, also from Alzheimer's Dementia. Trudie enjoyed traveling and camping in her RV and was always ready to enjoy a Miller Lite at any time or by the campfire. Trudie was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, William Manson, Sr. and her second husband, Millard Schneider; her parents, Cornelius and Dena Rippens; her brother, Cornelius (Sonny) Rippens; and her sister, Jackie VanderMolen. She is survived by her children: Barbara (Scott) Bruin, William (Deb) Manson, Nancy (Colin) Harvey and James (Deb) Manson; Grandchildren: Sara Cox, Tami Bruin, Tara Belcher, Julie Gill, Jamie Harvey and Becky Manson. Great Grandchildren: Daxston Belcher, Marie, Laura and Leah Gill, Kyle and Michael Harvey. The family would like to extend a special Thank you to the staff of Emerald Meadows and Faith Hospice (Tamera Schafer) for their outstanding compassion and care for Trudie through these difficult times. Per Trudie's request and in these times of Covid, there will be no funeral services. A private memorial service with the family will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org. While at www.avinkcremation.com please take time to sign Gertrude's guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with the family. The Schneider family is being assisted by the Avink Funeral Home & Cremation Society, 129 South Grand, Schoolcraft, MI 49087 (269) 679-5622.