Gertrude "Trudy" Bustamante Sotello passed peacefully on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the age of 85.  Born on November 6, 1939, in Campbellton, Texas, to Jose Zulaica Bustamante and Jesusa Rodriguez Bustamante, Trudy grew up alongside her five siblings, Gloria, Joe Lewis, Blandina, Ysidro, and Benjamin Bustamante.  She met her soulmate, Pedro "Pete" Sotello, and they married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Campbellton, Texas, in April of 1958, and later raised five daughters together.

In the early years of their marriage, they resided in Campbellton, but eventually called Pleasanton, Texas, home.  Trudy traveled throughout the United States with her husband and daughters, raising their children while he worked.  This included enrolling the girls in various schools throughout the country, and helping them acclimate to new surroundings, new teachers, and new friends.  Trudy was an active "room mom" at the varying schools and often signed up to assist with special school projects.  Whether sewing costumes or working school fundraiser events, the bulk of her time was invested in the caring of their children.

In the 1980's, Trudy worked as a manager of a popular t-shirt shop on Main St. and later worked as a waitress in several local restaurants.  She enjoyed cooking, baking, road trips, quilting, shopping at thrift stores and yard sales, and had a collection of over 200 unique salt and pepper shakers that she gathered while traveling.  She also enjoyed country and Tejano dancing with her partner in life, Pete, and her favorite country singer was Kenny Rogers.

In 1981, they became grandparents, and many years later, great grandparents.  Trudy was committed to attending as many of their sports and school functions as she could and kept a calendar on the fridge to stay organized.

She also understood the importance of growing her faith and passing that faith on to her children.  She was an avid reader of the bible, reading it daily, until illness no longer allowed.  She took great joy in volunteering at her church in various capacities but enjoyed none more than helping with kitchen duties such as plate fundraisers and preparing meals and potlucks.

Trudy was preceded in death by her parents, Jose and Jesusa Bustamante; siblings, Blandina Hernandez, Ysidro Bustamante, and Benjamin Bustamante; and her recently departed husband, Pedro "Pete" Sotello.

She is survived by her sister, Gloria Ponce, and brother, Joe Lewis Bustamante; her five daughters, Norma (James) Garcia, Mel (Roger) Carrasco, Lydia (David) Benavides, Irene (James) Vaughn, and Janie Sotello; grandchildren, Anthony Carrasco, Staci Shives, Jacquelyn Zelaya, Phillip Vaughn, Saundra Benavides, Garret Vaughn, Lucas Benavides, Cody Benavides, Jamie Lynn Garcia, and Lennon Jane Zamora; great-grandchildren, Nate Carrasco, Marcus Carrasco, Izaac Spain, Jacob Carrasco, Abigail Cantu, Brooklin Spain, Aubree Vaughn, Luke Vaughn, Caroline Vaughn, and Luther Lang; as well as many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

As we gather to celebrate Trudy's life, let us keep her memory alive by sharing the stories of her generous nature and fiery spirit.  Family and friends are invited to the following services: Viewing at Hurley Funeral Home on Monday, June 23, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm.  Mass will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Campbellton, Texas, on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 am, followed by the burial at the Campbellton Cemetery.