Alwilda (Trussell) Laird

Alwilda (Trussell) Laird passed away from this life on July 11, 2017 at the age of 99 years, 10 months and 11 days.
Alwilda (Trussell) Laird was born August 28, 1917 in a copper mining camp near Globe, Arizona. Later the family moved back to Pawnee County and lived in the Watchorn community. She attended grade school at the Skedee Valley School and then later at Diamond. She graduated from Morrison High School in 1935. She was one of the original employees of Ermy’s stores in Pawnee.
On September 12, 1935, she married Harold Laird, officiated by Rev. Ernest Hitt. In July of 1940, Harold, an officer in the Army Reserves, was called into service. The family moved to Fort Knox, Kentucky for two years. While he was serving overseas in the Army on active duty for three years, Alwilda and their children at the time, Yvonne and Gordon lived in Stillwater and Pawnee. When Harold returned from the war they returned to the family farm. Harold and Alwilda had three children, Yvonne, Gordon and Linda.
Alwilda was a “people person” known for her hospitality and concern for others. At the birth of her first grandchild, she announced that she would be called “Granny”. She was Granny to not only her own grandchildren and great grandchildren, but to their friends and many others. Until the last few years, she seldom missed a sporting event, program or other school activity. Granny was always there. Her first seven grandchildren were girls, she was a talented seamstress and was always making frilly dresses and other clothes for them. She also made china dolls, Barbie clothes and later teddy bears for the boys. She was a great cook and fed anyone who walked through her door and took meals to many others.
Alwilda was an avid Bible student and teacher. There was always an open Bible on her table and over the years she has taught all ages in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and other classes.
Harold passed away on October 14, 2001, but she was able to remain in the family home until recently, where she remained active in church, sewing, cooking and helping anyone she could.
She leaves to mourn her passing, a daughter, Yvonne Robbins and husband, Wayne of Hamill, SD, a son, Dr. Gordon Laird and wife Sherri of Pawnee, OK , a brother, Boyd Trussell of Tulsa and his family, 12 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and 16 great, great, grandchildren.
In recent months, Granny had received loving care at the Southern Oaks Care Center in Pawnee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Marcus and Ethel Trussell; her husband, Harold; her sister, Catherine Huffman and her daughter, Linda LeForce.