Gertrude Eunice Plowman

Gertrude Eunice “Trudy” (McWilliams) Plowman, a long-time Tulsa resident was born July 16, 1929 in Lake Village, Arkansas to Robert and Gertrude McWilliams. She passed from this life January 26, 2015 at the age of 85.

Her family moved to Tulsa when she was in elementary school. Trudy graduated from Tulsa Central High School and attended Tulsa University for one year where she met her husband-to-be, Howard Lee Plowman. After they married, they moved to Dallas where Howard attended Perkins School of Theology and she graduated from Southern Methodist University. Following graduation,their adventure began as a team in many Methodist parsonages throughout Oklahoma. All who knew Trudy knew of her spunk and energy for life. She was a school teacher for several years, she traveled the world – sometimes with Howard and sometimes on her own as a travel agent. She and Howard were faithful followers of every sport at Tulsa University. They often traveled to watch both football and basketball games of the Golden Hurricane. Trudy loved to read, stopping only to look up terms and words she didn’t know. She started a book group that has been together for almost two decades. Her family and friends have been blessed by her life always – and will continue to be.

The greatest thrill of Trudy’s life was her three children and their families: daughters, Donde Plowman and her husband, Dennis Duchon of Lincoln, NE, Sandy Plowman Kraus and her husband, Phil of New York City, son, Tom Plowman and his wife, Sarah of Austin, TX; grandchildren,Kevin Ashmos, Preston and Spencer Kraus, Katie Thompson and her husband, John, and Zachary Plowman. Trudy leaves behind nephews and nieces and their families, who have been recipients of her love and generosity, as well as Chijioke Onuoha, for whom she has always had high hopes. Trudy was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert D. McWilliams, Jr.; her sister, Vada McWilliams Wasson; and, a grandson, Christopher Reed Ashmos. Her courage and sweet spirit will guide us forever.

A celebration of Trudy’s life will be held 3:00 pm Wednesday, January 28, 2015 at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church in Tulsa. In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute in Trudy’s memory to the Oklahoma Methodist Manor at www.ommtulsa.org or Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry at www.tumm.org.