Trudy Margaret Moen Chester
January 10, 1944 - September 9, 2024
Trudy Margaret Moen Chester, 80, got her angel wings on September 9, 2024, at her home surrounded by family, in Billings, MT.
She was born January 10, 1944, in Renton, WA to Roy & Gladys (Burke) Moen. At that time, she was the youngest sibling to older sister Sandra and brother Roy Jr. Her youngest brother, David, was born in 1957.
Over the years, the family moved from Washington to Montana, then to North Dakota, where Trudy started 1st grade in Williston. Back then, Trudy and her aunt and best friend, Patty Burke, spent a lot of time on the school playground or hiding in a large birch tree in the front yard of the Elks Club. Their relationship would grow into a lifelong friendship, resembling sisters more than niece and aunt. They always enjoyed lattes, coffee, ice cream and French fries together.
In 1955, the family moved back to Billings, MT. In 1956, they settled in Billings Heights where Trudy lived the rest of her life. She attended Lincoln Jr High, and in 1960, at the age of 16, Trudy applied for the Institute of Art in Seattle. Trudy was accepted; however, her dad would not allow her to attend. She used her artistic and creative talents throughout the rest of her life.
Trudy graduated from Billings Senior High in 1962. She met Vernon Chester shortly thereafter, and they married in 1963. The couple had two daughters, Kathleen and Tara. Although a full-time mom, Trudy worked many odd jobs. She was a baker, butcher, gardener, chef, Tupperware lady, and prepared food for catering.
Trudy and Vernon divorced in 1976. Although the marriage was dissolved, Trudy refused to give up the Chester family and the house on Janie Street. After the divorce, she worked as a bookkeeper for her brother, Roy Jr, when he started his construction business, Moen Builders.
In 1977, Trudy started her own business Trudy's Bookkeeping & Tax Service aka TBK Tax Company. It has been one of her many successful endeavors for 47 years.
In 1978, Trudy met and married Marvin McCrary, and together they built her forever home on Ridgeview Drive. Marvin had four sons from a previous marriage Mark, Jimmy, Kelly, and Steven all of whom live in Colorado.
Trudy and Marvin divorced in 1982. Although the marriage was dissolved, Trudy again refused to give up the McCrary family and the house on Ridgeview. Trudy has had the pleasure of staying in touch with her stepson, Mark and his wife Peggy Doven for all these years.
In 1988, Trudy met Ron Musgrave. The two were inseparable for 20 years until his death in 2008. Together, they continued to grow her accounting and tax business. They traveled the country, Graceland being one of her favorite trips. They also enjoyed traveling to Yellowstone National Park numerous times.
In 1990, Trudy started her small rental empire. Trudy owned about 40 properties that she acquired or built through Moen Construction, the company her father started in 1956.
Trudy was also partners with Roger and Jo Anne Mollett for 20 years owning a small trailer court at Cooney Dam.
Through all the years of running her businesses, she still found time for her crafts. She had weekly ceramic classes in her home. Trudy enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing, crafting and decorating. For the last 25 years, she made greeting cards with "The Stamping Ladies" every Monday. Big shout out to Lori, Paula, Barb, Sandy, Judy, Deanna, Cheryl and Vicki for all your friendship over the years! If you were lucky enough to get one of her cards, which were works of art, you also got the "confetti surprise" every time.
One of Trudy's greatest pleasures was collecting Elvis memorabilia and red truck Christmas décor! She acquired thousands of items over the years, many of which were gifts from her family, friends and clients. She loved the color, purple, handmade wood items, the Hallmark Channel, getting her nails done, wearing jewelry, and all kinds of music.
When Trudy wasn't at home working or crafting, she was at her cabin in Red Lodge. Kevin helped her find the perfect one. She would work on cards, watch movies, and enjoy time with friends and the wildlife. Thank you, Lori, for taking care of her on your many trips there.
Trudy was very generous. She loved to fill up three carts of food at Albertsons and deliver to the Food Bank and door to door to her kids and grandkids.
We were probably the only family who was excited to receive clothes as gifts for our birthdays or holidays. Trudy always slipped cash in all the pockets and socks to make it more exciting.
She spoiled everyone she loved with gifts, delicious cooking, thoughtful cards, and lovable teasing with her great grandson, Justice.
Trudy is survived by her daughters, Kathleen (Kevin) Mollett, Tara Chester (Patrick Cary) of Billings; her stepson, Mark McCrary (Peggy), of Calhan, CO; her brother, David Moen (Stacy) of Huntley; her grandchildren, Kyla Mollett (Adam Munoz and kids) of Billings; Zack Mollett (Nikki), of Gilbert, AZ; Michael Cary, Meghan Cary (Kai Helyer), of Billings, Jennifer Riordan (Mario), Leeanne Riordan (Ben) and Tori Adams (Jevon); in Washington; her great grandson, Justice Mollett; her favorite Aunt Patty Burke (Calvin); of Billings; her sister-in-law, Marlene Moen (Roy Jr) of Ennis, MT; her closest cousin, Jim Mollerstuen; of Billings, and many nieces, nephews cousins and friends.
Trudy was preceded in death by her parents, Roy & Gladys Moen; her sister, Sandra Miller (Don); brother, Roy Moen Jr., and her companion Ron Musgrave.
Trudy loved her family with all her heart. She was an amazing mother, grandma, and GG! She was the kindest person but was never afraid to tell you exactly what she thought. She was strong, independent and intelligent. She was everyone's favorite Trudy.
She will be missed by everyone around her. Our hearts will ache forever, Mom. You were, and are, an angel.
In lieu of flowers, tax deductible memorials may be made to:
Billings Food Bank.
PO Box 1158, Billings, MT 59103-1158.
Atonement Lutheran Church.
United LUV Project.
The family would like to thank all the Intermountain Health doctors, nurses, and staff who aided in Trudy's care over the years. A special thanks to Compassus Hospice and their angels, Ashley and Bri. We are grateful to all that helped with Trudy's home care and came to visit her. She was blessed to have such wonderful people around her.
Heights Family Funeral Home has assisted the family with funeral arrangements and their website has a Tribute Wall if you want to share a memory. A celebration of Trudy's life will be held at Atonement Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served following the service.
