Gertrude Evers

Gertrude Evers was a wonderful woman, of great love, faith and devotion to those around her. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and friend to so many over the years. Most of all, Gertrude was a woman who nurtured everything around her, with patience, support and love.

Gertrude's story began on a spring day in 1916, in the little farming community of Martin, Michigan. Those were fascinating times in this country, as America was enjoying many successes, still a year away from entering the fray of World War I, which was then encircling the globe. Our great nation was enjoying new technological marvels, as the automobile and the airplane were transforming our society, with a new middle class emerging to enjoy the rewards of its hard work. On March 23, 1916, Cyrus and Estella (Johnston) Grinage had other reasons to celebrate, with the birth of a beautiful baby girl, a daughter they named Gertrude.

Gertrude was the ninth of 12 children in the large family, who lived on a farm a mile north of Martin. Like all her siblings, Gertrude's youth was spent playing on the farm, but working there, too. There she learned to love the farming life, appreciate hard work, and have faith in the Lord.

Gertrude went to Martin schools, and in the wintertime she enjoyed ice skating down the country roads to get to school each day! She was a bright young student, who enjoyed school. She eventually attended Martin High School, where she met a handsome young classmate named Willard "Bill" Evers, and the two soon began dating, and fell in love. They were high school sweethearts, as well as best friends.

After she graduated from Martin High in 1934, in the thick of the Great Depression, Gertrude went on to attend Allegan County Normal College, where she earned her teaching degree. She then taught in a little one-room schoolhouse in nearby Watson Township for a few years. Soon, though, she would have more on her mind than reading, writing and arithmetic. Eventually, she and her beloved Bill decided to tie the knot, and on August 12, 1937, the best friends were married, beginning a wonderful life together as husband and wife. The two soon bought a dairy farm in Martin, which they ran as a team for many years. They supported each other in all their endeavors. The couple was also blessed with four wonderful children over the years, first with son Darwin, then twins Darlene and Darl, with daughter Pat rounding out the happy family. Gertrude was the consummate wife and mother, so supportive in all that they did.

Gertrude was also an amazing cook, who thought nothing of whipping up a delicious feast for others, and often brought meals to sick friends and family. She was famous for her incredible strawberry shortcake biscuits, which never lasted very long! She also kept a beautiful garden, full of gorgeous flowers and many vegetables, which she and her children made a tradition of canning each fall. Gertrude had many family traditions she enjoyed, and jumped at any chance to attend family gatherings. She also made homemade Christmas gifts for her beloved grandchildren, including beautiful crocheted items and ornaments.

Of course, Gertrude was also an integral part of the family dairy farm, as well, and in fact, she and Bill were inducted into the Farmer's Hall of Fame together! They lived and worked on that farm until 1975, when they built a new home on the farm's land. Ever the tireless worker, Gertrude also went to work at Wolverine Feed in Martin, as soon as her children were old enough for her to be away from the home. She worked there from 1960 to 1985, where she made many friends and helped many of her neighbors. She was always generous with her time and her efforts, and people gravitated to her easily.

After they retired she and Bill enjoyed traveling together, after many years of having to be close to the dairy farm every day. Gertrude loved the outdoors, and enjoyed going on trips with her beloved Bill, seeing the countryside and marveling at all God's creation.

Her faith in the Lord was an integral part of Gertrude's life, and she devoted much of her time to serving God and doing the work of the church. She and Bill were lifelong members of the Martin Reformed Church, where she was active in ladies' groups, and taught Sunday school for many years. She was even currently leading a Bible class there. She and Bill were active members of the Gideons for many years.

Sadly, Gertrude went to Heaven on Saturday, December 16, 2006 at Allegan General Hospital, at the age of 90.

Gertrude was a wonderful woman, who lived a long and full life, a life full of family, faith and fellowship. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother, and a faithful servant of the Lord her entire life. Most of all, Gertrude was a woman who always shared her many blessings with those around her. She will be greatly missed.

Learn more about Gertrude, view her Life Story Film, and visit with her family on Monday from 4-8 PM, at the Life Story Funeral Home, RDMG, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams. Her service will be held on Tuesday at 11 AM at the Martin Reformed Church with Pastor Rich Davis officiating. Burial will follow in East Martin Cemetery.

Gertrude's family includes her children: Darwin & Nancy Evers, Darlene & Wes Leep, Darl & Janet Evers, all of Martin, and Pat & Al McClintock of Kentucky; 11 grandchildren: Susan, Douglas, Wayne, Jill, Wendy, Karri, Vonda, Matt, Marcy, Sarah, and Bethany; 10 great-grandchildren; a sister: Doreen Towne of Plainwell; and many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Bill, 10 siblings, and a great-grandson, Dylan. Please visit Gertrude's memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can read her Life Story, archive a favorite memory or photo or sign the online guest book. Memorial donations may be made to Martin Reformed Church or The Gideon's.