TRUDI'S STORY

I was born in Ogden, March 23, 1976, the third child and first and only girl. I have two older brothers and two younger ones. I moved to West Bountiful when I was two and attended West Bountiful Elementary, Centerville Jr. and graduated from Viewmont High School. I attended the University of Utah for several years and then started working. After several years I realized that education and doing what you really loved was more important than a great pay check. I ended my employment at the end of 2005 to return to school full time to finish my degree.

My love and passion was teaching and the entire outdoors. I had taught in my church and loved that experience. I also had volunteered in the classroom. During my free moments I found peace and renewal in the out-of-doors. Nature and the mountains were my second home and I enjoyed hiking, camping, snowshoeing, wakeboarding and watching the sun rise and set. I also took great care of my body, eating well, exercising and jogging. My jogging took me all over Salt Lake and, when I moved back home, through Bountiful, Centerville and West Bountiful, jogging between 12-15 miles 3 times a week.

On January 24th 2007, as I jogged by the West Bountiful City offices, a car hit me. I was airlifted to the hospital and due to my extensive injuries, died the next day.

In memory of my life and love for education my parents are establishing a scholarship fund in my name at the University of Utah. The city of West Bountiful has asked my parents to organize a 5K walk/run for the Founder's Day celebration on September 12th with all proceeds going to the fund. Your participation in this would be greatly appreciated either by running/walking or a cash donation. Come join us by walking, running, pushing a stroller, or even walking the dog on September 12th.

Thank you for participating and helping us make the "Trudi Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund" a reality. Donations can also be made at any America First Credit Union under the "Trudi Thomas Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Sincerely,
Mike and Valerie Thomas
2132 North 520 West
West Bountiful, UT 84087
295-5701 home, 678-9152 cell
trudi5k@gmail.com