Hiltrude L. “Trudy” Mays

Hiltrude “Trudy” Ludwina Mays 85, of Bellefontaine, passed away peacefully the morning of July 25, 2026, at her home surrounded by family. Trudy was born in Frankfurt Germany on May 5, 1941, daughter of late Richard and Maria (Klein) Koenig.  

She went to school in Frankfurt-Eschersheim and continued her education in business at vocational school in Frankfurt-Mitte. She married Air Force Veteran Robert Joe Mays in Frankfurt, Germany, on April 26, 1967, with whom she shared 59 years of marriage. Hiltrude enjoyed a career in sales spanning more than four decades, retiring as manager of Au Natural health and wellness store of Bellefontaine in 2017. Hiltrude never knew a stranger. She enjoyed providing help to all of those who entered the store while also forging lifelong friendships. Hiltrude was a faithful catholic and lifelong parishioner of St. Patrick’s Church of Bellefontaine. Hiltrude will be dearly missed, fondly remembered, and forever cherished in our hearts. At the heart of Hiltrude’s life was her husband, Robert. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and love. Nothing brought Hiltrude greater joy than spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren.

Hiltrude found great joy in reading, socializing with friends, enjoying the outdoors, shopping with her daughters and working in her garden. She enjoyed displaying her love through the preparation of large meals and homemade desserts for friends and family. She loved watching the Cleveland Indians and was a devoted fan of Eintracht Frankfurt soccer.

Hiltrude will be dearly missed and forever cherished by all who knew her. She is survived by her devoted husband, Robert Mays; daughters Carmen Swider, Joanne (Troy) Rader, and Natasha (Donnie Day) Mays; sons Michael (Wendy) Mays and Thomas (Elaine) Mays; grandchildren Shawn (Shawna) Rumer, Mykayla (Tommy) Johnson, Nadiene Long, Kevin (Alexandria) Wohlgamuth, Jonathon (Amanda Huffer) Mays, Tiffany (Matthew) Workman, Tanner Rader, Michael Mays, Payton Mays; great- grandchildren Jayce Rumer, Amyah Johnson, Hailey Long, Justice Thompson, Wyatt Miller, Havana Long, Isabella Wohlgamuth, Ariana VanWinkle, Atlas Wohlgamuth, Rosalie Wohlgamuth, Charlie Wohlgamuth, Hudson Workman, and soon to be baby girl Workman.

Hiltrude was preceded in death by great-grandchildren Dominque Mercer, Keyannah Mercer, and Jade Rumer. Hiltrude loved her homeland of Germany and will also be dearly missed by her brother, Rainer (Karin) Koenig; niece Nicole Doring; nephews Andreas (Stefanie) Koenig and Matthias (Berit) Koenig, whom all remain in Germany.

A mother’s love doesn’t end with goodbye- It lives inside us forever.