Obituary for Gertrude “Trudy” Frick

Gertrude “Trudy” M. Frick

August 4, 1947 – January 25, 2018

A story of our Mother’s life

Trudy Frick was born in Newkirk, Oklahoma on October 31, 1928 and has passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at age 89 after a brief battle with kidney cancer. She has gone to join her loving husband, Ron, and infant son, Gregory Alan in their Heavenly home with their Lord and Savior.

Trudy was the 11th child born to Anton and Frances Vrbas Horinek of Newkirk. She grew up with 5 brothers. Her 5 sisters had already married.

Her grade school years were spent at Newkirk’s St. Francis of Assisi School through the 8th grade. Her 9th and 10th grades were at Newkirk High. She then decided to attend St. Mary’s High School in Ponca City to finish her 11th and 12th grades. Shortly after graduating in 1946, she was employed by Mr. Louis Lynch in the Pipeline Accounting Department at Conoco. It was there that she met her future husband Ronald (Ron) Frick. He preceded her in death on December 4, 2013, after 66 years of a special marriage. Ron always said, “it was love at first sight.”

After a year of dating and dancing (almost every date), they were married on August 4, 1947 at the original St. Mary’s Church on South 6th in Ponca City. They have been active members of St. Mary’s for 70 years.

They were blessed with 3 sons and 5 daughters. Their 2nd son, Gregory Alan, preceded them in death, at the age of 2 months in April of 1950.

Trudy always felt that her calling in life was to become a Mother, Grandma, Mema, Great Mema, and GG. With much love to give, she achieved her goal, and has now left behind, 7 children, 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. She and her husband have always said that their greatest achievement and blessing is their “family”.

Trudy was involved and active in all of her children’s endeavors, also school and church activities such as: Boy Scout Den Mother for both sons, Bluebird and Campfire Mother for 5 daughters, Homeroom Mother for all seven children possibly every year during their schooling. She also served as a P.T.C. officer and School Volunteer.

At church, she was a choir member, greeter, past member of St. Jude and St. Francis guilds. She was involved in the Bereavement Committee for years. She also was a C.C.D. Teacher (religious education for St. Mary’s children attending public schools) for 3 years.

In order to avoid “the empty nest syndrome” after her children all left home, she held several “part time” jobs which she really enjoyed. She was a “lunch server” at Garfield School (she has always enjoyed children), a clerk at Bright World Gift Shop, the 1st hired tour guide at the Marland Mansion when it was opened to the public. She was hired as a “Nanny” for 2 Ponca City families (remember she loved children). She qualified as a seamstress for 11 years and sewed for many Ponca City men and women. Her experience in sewing began in her Homemaking class at Newkirk High, and has sewed ever since! She sewed many of her children’s clothes as they grew up. And with 5 daughters, and the weddings began, she created all of the Bridesmaid dresses, and matching headpieces, flower girl dresses, and her own “Mother of the Bride” dresses included! She also worked as a clerk in a clothing store, S & H Green Stamp Store, and Among Other Things gift shop. She and Ron also owned a miniature golf course in Ponca City in the early seventies that was enjoyed by many local families.

For her community, she joined R.S.V.P. and became a “Meals on Wheels” driver and chauffeur for person’s needing rides for Dr. Appointments, etc. for 4 years.

The hobbies she enjoyed were fishing and dancing with her husband, playing Bridge with friends, cooking (especially Sunday dinner) which she cooked from the beginning of her marriage until her death really! She was excused from that task if Sunday was her Birthday or on Mother’s Day! She collected teddy bears and always said, “Every teddy bear needs a home and every home needs a teddy bear.” She loved to refinish old furniture, and other items, gardening, mostly flowers, and landscaping. Since her husband was the vegetable gardener, she took on the task of canning and freezing his crops. Her family really enjoyed the pickles, picante sauce, and green beans! Friends and family have always wondered and asked “Why do you seem to enjoy all of that hard work?” Her answer was a beautiful poem she loved.

“The kiss of the Sun for pardon”
“The songs of the birds for mirth”
“One is closer to God in a garden”
“Than anywhere else on Earth.”

Best reason ever!!

For indoor relaxation during later evening hours and long winter days, she enjoyed the “word search” puzzles of which she has completed hundreds. She is proud to say “she has never cheated!”

Preparing for holidays was a special time for her, especially Christmas Eve, since most of her family were present; sometimes as many as 60. She and her husband hosted this occasion and also Thanksgiving and Easter for 65 years until his death in December, 2013. Trudy began a tradition that she had shared with friends and family, in the hope of having it carried on, especially by her family. It began with the playing of a DVD by Andy Williams, “O Holy Night” (which they purchased at the Moon River Theater in Branson, Missouri). Then a drawing of a grandchild’s name would follow, so as to place Baby Jesus in His manger. All present would sing “Happy Birthday” and light a single candle on the cake; later it was enjoyed by all. She started this practice many years ago, in hopes that the entire family will always remember that Christmas is truly “All because of Baby Jesus!”

Their vacations will always be a big part of their family memories. Due to Ron’s job with MetLife, the family visited many states. Their favorite is Colorado, which was called “God’s Country” because of the beauty of the majestic mountains and lakes. Trout fishing was almost always pursued, and won!

Trudy was preceded in death by her loving husband, baby son, her parents, 2 baby granddaughters and 5 brothers and 5 sisters. She is survived by her 2 sons, Barry Frick of Ponca City, Steve and Penny Frick of Edmond, OK. Her 5 daughters, Dee Ann and Gordon Brown of Bartlesville, OK, Rhonda and Danny Smith of The Woodlands, TX, Jan and Mark Mazzolini of Oklahoma City, OK, Laurie and Gary Brown of St. Joseph, MO, and Julie and Brent Eberle of Frisco, TX.

She also is survived by her 16 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren; all of whom she loved dearly. She also loved her many and very special nieces and nephews; as well as many good friends with whom she played bridge with for many years.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at the funeral home from 5-8pm on Monday, January 29, and from 8am-8pm on Tuesday, January 30. A rosary will be recited at 6pm Tuesday, January 30 in the chapel at Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 31, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City with Father Carson Krittenbrink officiating. Following the Mass, she will be laid to rest at the Newkirk Cemetery next to her husband and baby son.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Mary’s Church, Hospice of Northern Oklahoma in Ponca City, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or NAMI of Northern Oklahoma in Ponca City.

Source: Trout Funeral Home