Obituary of Gertrude "Gertie" Rhodes

RHODES: Gertrude (Gertie) Neta (née Willey). It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Gertrude Neta Rhodes, wife of Thomas Rhodes on January 30, 2011 at the Assiniboine Centre at the age of 84 years. Gertie was born in Birnie, Manitoba on August 1, 1926 to Albert and Mildred Willey. Gertie and Tommy Rhodes were married on May 30, 1944 and raised four children. She will be sadly missed by her husband of 66 years, Tommy, daughter Marilyn (Doug) Duncalfe, son Allan Rhodes, daughters Audrey Rhodes (Kevin) and Barbara (Dale) Hoggan; seven grandchildren Terry (Ellen) Duncalfe, Laura (Larry) Litwin, Darren (Kristin) Duncalfe, Grant (Marcy) Duncalfe, Angie Hamm (Jay), Derek Hamm, Andrew Hoggan and six great-grandchildren; Katelyn and Erika Litwin, Sawyer Duncalfe, Daylan Duncalfe, Cole and Asha Venn and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving Mum, are Dad's two sisters and two brothers. She was predeceased by her parents Albert and Mildred Willey, brothers Vernon (Wilma) Willey, Charlie (Mary) Willey, Roy Willey, sister Alberta (Ernie) Boles, infant brother Carmen Willey, infant son Leslie Neil Rhodes and infant great-granddaughter Rilynn Duncalfe. Mum was the happiest when her family was around her. She thoroughly enjoyed the Sunday jaunts with Dad, traveling around Manitoba visiting family and their vacations in Western Canada. In the summer, Mum and Dad would travel Manitoba to find the perfect strawberry patches for her preserves. Mum was a wonderful homemaker, she loved sewing, gardening and shopping in her earlier years. Mum was a very quiet and shy individual. In 1998, Mum was diagnosed with vasculitis and it was a long battle for the next twelve years. We will miss you dearly Mum. A funeral service was held on February 3, 2011 at Brockie Donovan, Brandon, and interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. If friends and family so desire, donations may be made to the charity of their choice in Mum's memory.