Trudy Irene Workman, age 79, of Mount Pleasant, formerly of Bonaparte, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at her home in Mount Pleasant. A visitation will open at 2:00 p.m. at Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. In accordance with her wishes, Trudy will be cremated, and burial of her cremains will take place in Bonaparte Cemetery at a later date. Gifts to a memorial to be designated later by the family, may be left at the funeral home or mailed c/o Cranston Family Funeral Home, P.O. Box 189, Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.
Trudy was born on January 21, 1947, in Wellman, Iowa, to Francis Perry Butterbaugh and Neomia Ina Hole Butterbaugh. She grew up in Wellman and graduated from Mid Prairie High School in 1965. Following high school, she continued her education at the Burlington Beauty Academy, where she trained as a beautician and went on to work in Burlington. It was there that she met Clarence E. Workman, and the two were married on February 12, 1967, in Bonaparte.
After leaving the beauty shop, Trudy continued to use her skills by giving free haircuts out of her home for many years. In the early 1980s, she began working for Harmony Schools and later worked for the AEA in Ottumwa, where she remained until her retirement in 2014. During her time with the AEA, she also worked at Township Grocery and continued working there even after retiring.
Trudy enjoyed playing bingo, watching Clarence fish, listening to music, trivia, word puzzles, volunteering, watching game shows, and watching birds. Nearly every morning, she could be found at Hardee’s enjoying coffee and breakfast with her friends. She was actively involved in her community, working each year to help raise money for the Bonaparte fireworks show and helping organize the town’s holiday activities with Santa as well as the Easter egg hunt.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, Doug Workman (Kelly) of Burlington; her two daughters, Kelley Kirchner (Darren) of Ballwin, Missouri, and Wendi Workman of Bonaparte; her brother, Rod Butterbaugh of Wellman; three sisters, Monica Babcock, Reene Butterbaugh, and Pamela Canott; her son in law, Joe Douthart of Bonaparte; and her six grandchildren: Galen Kirchner of Denver, Colorado; Josie Douthart Poe (Justin) of Bonaparte; Isabelle Wixom of Fairfield; Jakob Wixom of Bonaparte; Morgan Workman of Burlington; DJ Workman of Burlington; Jasper Dickson of Burlington; and Riley Dehauge. She is also survived by her great grandchild, Jackilyn Douthart Poe, as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Neomia; her husband, Clarence; two brothers, Richard Butterbaugh and Cary Butterbaugh; and two sisters, Judy Pfeiffer and Neta Fowler.
