Obituary: Gertrud "Trudy" Ballbach-Jones

Gertrud “Trudy” Ballbach-Jones, 79, July 8, 1937 - July 23, 2016, Crestview, Florida.

Trudy was born in Brazil to parents Ernst, a Lutheran pastor, and Erna Ballbach. At the age of 16 she returned with her family to Germany. While in Europe she spoke, wrote and read fluently in seven languages and at one point worked in the translation and linguistic field in Italy.

In 1963, Trudy met and later married John T. “Jack” Jones Jr. (deceased). They settled in Winter Garden, Florida, from 1970 to 2013, where she raised three daughters. Trudy relocated to Tallahassee and then Crestview, Florida. 

Trudy was employed at H&R Block from 1972 to 1995. She also earned her real estate license and worked as a Realtor for several years. After the death of her husband she had the great fortune of a second love with longtime companion Fred Huttle (deceased). 

Trudy was a gifted and talented seamstress creating intricate designs and patterns. She enjoyed designing everything from outfits for her family to debutante dresses and ballet costumes. Trudy was known to work diligently at her craft and brought much joy to her family and community.

Trudy was an innovative cook and took pleasure in feeding everyone with her special traditional and international dishes. 

Of all the gifts Trudy gave, the greatest was the love to her family and friends. She was always excited about and engaged in her family’s adventures, growth and changes, as well as all the joy they brought to her.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John T. Jones Jr.; her father, Ernst Ballbach; mother, Erna Ballbach; and longtime companion, Fred Huttle.

Trudy is survived by sister, Ursula “Lu” Digman, Illinois; brother, Erhard Ballbach (Renate), Germany; daughter, Sonja L. Jones-Forn (Scott), Crestview, Florida; and stepdaughters Eva C. Jones and Kimberly Brown (Wesley) of Lakeland, Florida; grandchildren, Scott Jones Jr. (Erin Ann) and Erin Ottinger (Seth) of Lakeland, Florida, Scott and Sarah Forn of Crestview, Florida; and five great-grandchildren, Ella, Lily and Jack Jones and Evan and Emma Ottinger, all of Lakeland, Florida.

A Celebration of Life for Trudy is planned for Oct. 22, 2016, in Lakeland, Florida.

The family would like to thank the medical professionals at Crestview Medical Center, Crestview Rehab and Emerald Coast Hospice. Their dedicated assistance has been sincerely appreciated. A special thank-you to everyone who prayed, called, visited and shared in our loss.  We will forever treasure our mom.