Gertrude F. Wolfe

Gertrude F. (Hess) Wolfe, 86, passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2014 Gertrude was born in Clare on May 27, 1928, the daughter of Walter and Dora (Haring) Hess. She grew up there in the original homestead log house along with her older brothers and sister and completed the 8th grade at Brewer School (a one room schoolhouse). Overcoming physical challenges Gertrude worked full-time at the Midland Hospital for 40 years, the last 25 in the Nursing Office. She was a loving mother, devoted caregiver to her mother and grandparents and a steadfast friend to many. Gertrude’s hands were never idle, among several interests she was an accomplished quilter, knitter, weaver and basket maker. She had a love for nature and spent many hours watching birds and wildlife in her yard that she landscaped purposefully for this reason. Gertrude loved her dogs whose constant presence provided companionship and loyalty. Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Dora; her brothers Fred, Charles and Harold; and her grandson Craig Thatcher. In addition to her sister Dorothy Brooks of Clare, surviving are her three children, Elaine (Clyde) Thatcher of Shepherd, Maynard Whitman of St. Louis, and Deana (Gene) Beckham of Midland; six grandchildren, Scott (Becky) Thatcher of Lake Odessa, Keith (Barbie) Thatcher of St. Charles, Kevin (Shana) Thatcher of Vestaburg, Carrie (Jay) Pratt of Ionia, DJ (Tammy) of Mt. Pleasant, Jaime (Josh) Rutledge of Midland; seventeen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers please consider Wildlife Recovery Association, 531 S. Coleman Rd., Shepherd, MI 48883 where donations will help with among other things - School Programs, Raptor Rehabilitation, Peregrine Falcon Reintroduction and General Public Outreach Programs. For more information go to www.wildliferecovery.org All flowers will be handled by Flowers by Suzanne James, 202 E. 6th St., Clare, MI – 989 386 4334. Gertrude’s family will receive friends at the Stephenson – Wyman Funeral Home, 1005 N. McEwan Street in Clare on Wednesday, August 20 from11:00 a.m. until time of service at 2:00 p.m.. The service will be followed by a luncheon presented by the ladies of Clare United Methodist Church, 105 E. 7th

Gertrude F. Wolfe

May 27, 1928 - August 17, 2014