They are called “movers and shakers” people who are influential and make things happen. Normally you would hear this term in regards to business leaders or politicians, but even our small towns have movers and shakers. We have one right here in Ripley. Her name is Trudy Babcock.

If you have ever eaten at Meeder’s Restaurant in Ripley, you have tasted some of Trudy’s commitment to home cooking and “world famous” pies. The pie actually IS world famous, due to guests who have eaten there from England, Germany, France and even as far away as China.

But this isn’t a plug for Meeder’s Restaurant. This is a tribute to the woman who not only runs a successful business, but the woman who has done so much for her community.

I have known Trudy since high school, when she was a fresh-faced teenager who was in love with an upperclassman and eventually married her high school sweetheart. More than 45 years later they are still together. Her husband, Dale, is the grandson of Andy Meeder who opened the restaurant in 1960. The restaurant passed on to Andy’s daughter, Millie, and then to Dale and Trudy. It is Trudy, however, who made it the popular dining and meeting place it is today. Her employees say it’s like working with family and they love her.

Trudy Babcock has done so much more for this community than most people know. Remember those Easter egg hunts? That was Trudy, spending money from her own pocket to make sure every child had enough eggs to find and prizes to win. The Christmas decorations that used to line Main Street? That was Trudy, too. The reindeer pancake breakfast? The Grower’s Co-op Meeting? Hundreds of wedding receptions and funeral luncheons, parties of all sorts that’s why the banquet room was added on to the original restaurant, to accommodate the people of Ripley and their need for a local meeting place.

Her generosity goes much further, however. Countless donations have been made to organizations and groups around the area, and those in need have never been turned away. The best thing about Trudy is her attention to her customers and townspeople. She is always there with a smile on her face, chatting with people about their kids or grandkids, taking an interest in everyone around her. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t think Trudy is wonderful.

I’ve talked to dozens of people and they all wonder if Trudy realizes how much we love and appreciate her. In some small way, this is our way of paying tribute to one of our own. Next time you visit Meeder’s, make sure you say hi and give her a hug. I’m sure a hug and a sincere “thank you” would embarrass her, but do it anyway. She deserves it.

Trudy, you have no idea how much you mean to this community. Thank you just isn’t enough. We, as a community, are better people for having you in our lives.

Robyn Near is a Ripley resident. Send comments to editorial@observertoday.com