Gertrude Josephine Watts
WICHITA - Gertrude Josephine
Watts, 83, of Wichita, formerly of Newton, passed into the arms of the Lord
Sunday (April 27, 2008).
She was born May 29, 1924, in
Decatur, Ill. She was a loving daughter, mother, grandmother and
great-grandmother with a passion for learning, especially history and politics.
Endlessly giving of her time,
she volunteered for many organizations and activities, including Alpha Phi
Mothers' Club, Girl Scout leader, Altar Society, St. Mary's church and school
in Newton, school field trips, room parent for her children and so much more.
There was never a time that she could not find time to help others, her family
or children.
Always continuing to educated
herself, she went to college at age 52 and earned a Real Estate Broker's
license, founding her own company, G.W. Realty. She was the recipient of the
'Honorary Lifetime Member of Newton Realty Board Association' award.
Gertrude's strength, love,
passion, and kindness will truly be missed.
She is survived by daughters,
Marilyn Whitcomb, Teresa Gray and Alicia Glass; brother, Phillip Elam; sisters,
Estella Rothermich and Martha Henderson; eight grandchildren; and two
great-grandchildren.
Gertrude was preceded in
death by her husband, Edward Watts; brothers, Louis and Wilbur Elam; sister,
Helen Dickson; and sons, Mark Watts and David Watts.
Viewing wil be from 9 a.m. to
9 p.m. today and Thursday, with a rosary service at 7 p.m. Thursday at Downing
and Lahey Mortuary East, 655 East Central in Wichita.
Funeral mass will be at 10
a.m. Friday at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 1425 N. Chautauqua St. in Wichita.
Burial and graveside service
will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Calvary Cemetery in Quincy, Ill.
In lieu of flowers, a
memorial has been established with Holy Savior Catholic Academy, 6355 E.
Willowbrook, Wichita KS 67218.
Tributes may be sent to the
family via www.dlwichita.com.
