The Rev. Gertrude “Trudie” Smither has died. She was born on October 6, 1937, and died peacefully on Oct. 19, 2016. A fourth-generation Dallasite, Trudie clearly lived by these most important values: her family, her dedication to God and the priesthood, and her heritage and community. We remember her joyful spirit, independence, and deep love for her family and friends. These qualities were captured in how she always cherished offering a prayer and blessing with someone after spending time with them.

Trudie was a treasured mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. Her favorite retreat was her family home in Bushy Creek, Anderson County, where her family first settled in Texas in 1849. She took great pride that her ancestors were pioneers in founding Dallas and that her great-grandfather Capt. William Henry Gaston donated 80 acres for the State Fair of Texas. Trudie met the love of her life, Bob Smither, on a college trip to Europe and their first date was in Monte Carlo. They married in 1960 and enjoyed 37 years of marriage until his death in 1997. She reveled in the times her family gathered for holidays, long meals, and vacations; and as a devoted grandmother, she attended countless performances, athletic contests, Grandparents’ Days, and more. She enjoyed using her season tickets to cheer on her beloved Dallas Cowboys. Working crossword puzzles, studying Spanish and cuddling with her cats, Lucy and Otis, gave her great pleasure.

In 1991 Trudie became one of the first women ordained as an Episcopal priest in Texas. As she explained, “I believe that God was calling me to the priesthood. I felt I had been blessed in my life and wanted to pass it on to many people.” Determined to do God’s work and a champion of women’s rights, she persevered through setbacks, becoming a deacon in 1990. During her family’s 24 years in Galveston, Trudie served as Assistant at the Church of the St. Luke the Physician, President of St. Vincent’s House board, Christian Education Director at Trinity Episcopal Church and Chaplain of Galveston UT Medical Branch. After returning to Dallas in 1992, she launched the Episcopal chaplaincy program for the Diocese of Dallas. Trudie served as Assistant to the Dean at St. Matthew’s Cathedral, Assistant Rector and Interim Rector at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church and Associate Rector at Ascension Dallas. She also loved being the chaplain at St. Christopher’s Montessori School and representing the Diocese of Dallas on the Episcopal Church’s Standing Committee on Health. 

Trudie was a vigorous learner and advocate and believed in positively impacting the communities where she lived. Her energy and curiosity motivated her involvement with many organizations: Friends of the Dallas Public Library; Board of Thanks-Giving Square; Fellow of the Dallas Historical Society; Dallas Women’s Club; Colonial Dames; St. Vincent’s House; President of The Junior League of Galveston County; Dallas Shakespeare Club; and Pi Beta Phi.

After attending Bradfield Elementary and The Hockaday School, she graduated from Highland Park High School. She attended Sweet Briar College before transferring to the University of Texas, earning a B.A. in History. In 1985 she completed her Master of Divinity from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest.