Gertrude Smith

Gertrude C. Smith, 100 of Allegan, Michigan passed away Wednesday, November 17, 2021, with her family by her side. Gertrude was born January 19, 1921 in Watson Corners, Michigan, and was the daughter of George and Helen (Murphy) Schulz. She was married to her husband, Raymond, for 57 years and together they had three children, Kay, Norman and Pamela. Her first employment was at the Allegan Co. Road Commission, then she and her husband owned the Merson Store, selling it in 1952. In 1958, she worked at Homer Hayden's dress shop in downtown Allegan, then the Allegan State Bank (which became First National Bank) for 15 years, retiring in 1973. During retirement she made several quilts and afghans, and also enjoyed doing embroidery. Gertrude and her husband spent several winters in Florida during retirement. She wrote a recent letter to her kids that she wanted to be remembered as a Mom and Grandma who thought the world of her kids and her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is survived by her three children, Kay Simington, Norman (Val) Smith and Pamela (George) Topoll; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond in 1998; her parents, George and Helen Schulz; two brothers, Andy Schulz and George Schulz; and her son-in-law, Glen Simington. In consideration of her wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service is being planned for the spring of 2022. Her family extends a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and staff at Ascension Borgess Allegan and Wings of Hope Hospice. Memorial donations may be made in Gertrude's name to the Allegan County Animal Shelter (www.alleganshelter.org), 2293 33rd St., Allegan, Michigan, 49010 or Wings Home (https://www.wingshome.org/donate/), 530 Linn Street, Allegan, MI 49010. Gorden Funeral Residence, Allegan Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.