Trudy K Craigmile

 

It is with great sadness that the family of Trudy Kay Craigmile announces that she passed away in Howell, MI, on August 2nd, 2026.

 

She was born in Lafayette, IN, on February 28th, 1947, to Reta Mae (Wagner) and Joseph Craigmile, one of three (eventually six). Her family moved to the Saline area when she was in elementary school, and she remained there for most of her life. She was a graduate of Saline High School, where she proudly cheered as a Hornet Cheerleader.

 

Trudy's biggest love in life was her family. A mother, a daughter, a grandmother, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, and eventually, a great-grandmother. Her family brought her immense joy and pride every day. One couldn't get very far in a conversation without her bragging about familial accomplishments in one way or another.

 

After starting her family, Trudy took time to travel the world with them. From Austria and Spain to more tropical locales such as Barbados and the Bahamas, she experienced life vibrantly. And yes, she did ride motorcycles.

 

Her lifelong points of pride were her time as an SHS cheerleader, her time as a prop manager with Saline Area Players' production of 'The Diary of Anne Frank,' and her experience as a mother and grandmother. Unbelievable as it sounds, she could sometimes squeeze all three topics into a single conversation.

 

But if you were to ask her what her biggest accomplishment was, it would be her second-place win in the May 2nd, 1981 "Great Chili Cookoff" — losing only to a famous chef in the final decision. She kept the award, tarnished but displayed on a shelf, until her final days. 

 

Trudy spent her life caring for others. She was the type of person who would give you the coat off her back if you complimented the color. Her home was always a soft place to land during troubled times. You could always expect a hug and an oatmeal cookie waiting for you. Even in moments of conflict, she spoke of the love she held for her family until the very end. In her final years, she was cared for with great devotion by her son, Brian.

 

She was quirky, she was kind, she would send you home with more stuff than you arrived with, and the world is a sadder place without her in it.

 

Trudy will be very missed.

 

Trudy is survived by her sons, Brian (Jen) Frey of Howell and Kevin (Kristen) Frey of Saline; her grandchildren, Aimee (Rob), Aaron, Cenovia (Anthony), Caitlin, Alex (Crystal), Ashley, and Nathan; six great-grandchildren; her brother, Robert (Laura) Craigmile of Wolverine; her sisters-in-law, Kathie Craigmile of Saline and Cathy Craigmile of Milan; and many nieces and nephews.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Reta Mae Craigmile; her step-mother, Mildred V. Craigmile; her sister, Nancy (Craigmile) Welch; her brothers, William and Donnie Craigmile; her stepsister, Sandra Williams; and her sister-in-law, Carol Craigmile.

 

Cremation has occurred.