Gertrude Eileen Cadue, 87, of Horton, Kansas, passed from this world on December 6, 2020, due to complications of COVID-19.

She was born on February 18, 1933 in Hamlin, Kansas the daughter of Hilary and Flora Cadue Goslin. Trudy, a member of the Kickapoo Nation in Kansas, was her preferred moniker, and she lived a full life as a loving daughter to Flora (Cadue) and Hilary Goslin, sister to Vivian Goslin, Alice Goslin Rhodd, Charles Goslin, Edgar Goslin, Roland Goslin, Maurice Goslin, Mace Goslin, Phyllis Goslin Sanders, all of whom preceded her in death. One sister, Hildreth Goslin Long lives in Gordon NE. Mrs. Cadue survived her three husbands: LeRoy Grandstaff, John Melchior, and Jerald Cadue, Trudy’s son, Thomas Duane Cadue, passed away last May.

Her surviving children are James H Grandstaff (Deb Sherman) of Springfield OR, JoAnne L. Grandstaff of Browning MT, Michael J. Melchior of Horton KS, William F. Melchior (Sharon Shuckahosee) of Mayetta KS, and David A. Cadue of Mayetta KS. She left 10 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter with one on the way. 

Mrs. Cadue worked as an office manager for the Topeka State Hospital, the Menninger Foundation and then for Blue Cross and Blue Shield. She served in the Topeka office of Human and Civil Rights before working in Lawrence at Haskell Indian Nations University. She received her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Washburn University in Topeka, KS, and her Master of Social work degree was earned at the University of Kansas. 

Trudy retired as a Master Social Worker having worked at each of the reservations in Kansas, in Macy NE, Poulsbo WA and Billings MT. She advocated for the rights of her loved ones, and she loved more than her family. She helped to enforce the Indian Child Welfare Act, ensured Native American students from Haskell were served in businesses in Lawrence, and promoted equal rights for Topeka residents. The family has decided to delay memorial services for Trudy until after the pandemic is no longer an issue. A special message may be sent to the family at www.dishon-maple-chaney.com