Trudy Sue Younger

Trudy Sue Younger passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, CO. She is leaving a legacy of kindness, gentleness, and a passion for art and creativity. She will be dearly missed by those who had the priviledge of knowing her.

Trudy was born on July 30, 1944, in Ellsworth, KS to Ernest Ted and Verabel (Martin) Younger. She was the youngest child to three older brothers; Tom, Ted and Tim who have preceded her in death.

Trudy spent her early years in Denver, CO where she graduated from North High School in 1962. She went on to obtain her B.A. from the University of Northern Colorado in 1966 and her M.A. from Texas Woman’s University in 1975 physical education and dance. She received her counseling certification from Denver University in 1980. Trudy taught physical education and coached gymnastics at Carmody, Wheat Ridge and Bell Junior Highs and at Green Mountain High School where she had a team or individual participate in the Colorado State meet every year from 1972-1977. She was instrumental in starting the middle school peer counseling program in the Jefferson County School District and won Middle School Counselor of the Year for the state in 1990. She was further recognized by the Colorado Association of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (CAPHERD) with a state award in 1982. As an accomplished writer, she co-authored a Secondary Physical Education Curriculum Guide that focused on adaptive physical education. Trudy’s love of teaching, coaching, and counseling, along with her quiet, infectious “can do” attitude impacted many young lives throughout her career.

After retiring from teaching in 1999, Trudy shared her passion for art by teaching “tricks” with watercolor painting to residents of Assisted Living facilities in Longmont and Arvada Colorado. Many of her “students” realized that they too had a love for the beauty created through their watercolor masterpieces and soon became hooked on the art form. Trudy had a deep, spiritual connection to nature and animals. Throughout her lifetime, she took great joy in caring for her beloved poodles, and later volunteered at a local horse rescue.

Trudy touched the lives of so many whose paths she crossed. She will be dearly missed. There are no services planned. Should you wish to honor Trudy, you can take walks in nature and admire the beauty, plant a tree or make a donation to an animal shelter.