Gertrude A. ‘Trudie’ Besse, 91, Rapid City, died Friday, October 25, 2013 at Rapid City Regional Hospice House. She was born April 2, 1922 in Pratt, Kansas to William and Dora (Mass) Allen. She was a life long member of the Catholic Church. She was educated in Pratt where she graduated from high school and attended 2 years of college. Trudie later moved to California to work in the factories supporting the war effort. She met Robert Paul Besse and they were later married on July 26, 1945 in Pratt.They spent most of their lives together travelling around the world with the US Air Force retiring to Ellsworth AFB in 1974. She enjoyed doing numerous crafts and gardening. She liked all types of animals and was involved in the Appaloosa Horse Club. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Following retirement, she and Robert continued traveling between the Rapid City area and Arizona. Trudie is survived by 2 daughters, Debbie and husband Eddie Opstedahl, Rapid City, Teresa Besse, Piedmont; 2 grandchildren, Rebecca Garnes, Ryan Opstedahl both of Sioux Falls; 5 great grandchildren, Jackson, Preston, Aiden, Evie, Donovan; a sister, Marie Lewis, CA; a brother, Charles Allen, WA; a sister in law, Margaret Neeley, CA and numerous nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Paul Besse on August 1, 2010, 3 brothers, Larry, William and Frank Allen and 3 sisters, Virginia Emrick, Mary Hoffman and Evelyn Allen. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2013 at Our Lady of the Black Hills Catholic Church, Piedmont with Rev. Steve Biegler as celebrant. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established.Condolences may be conveyed to the family at www.behrenswilson.com.