Gertrude Elizabeth Butler

Gertrude Elizabeth Butler, 92, passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at Milner Community Health Care.  She entered the facility on July 12, 2011 and was affectionately called “Miss Gertie” by those who cared for her.      

She was born April 23, 1921, in Clinton County, the daughter of Lawrence M. and Ruth Gladys Overly Metzger.  On July 23, 1938, Gertrude married Eugene “Gene”
Butler; he preceded her in death August 29, 1987.  

Gertrude attended Rossville High School.  She lived most of her growing up and early marriage years in Pyrmont, finally settling in Rossville.  She worked with her husband at B & C Appliances for 21 years and at Dewey’s IGA for 11 years.  She was a member of Rossville Church of the Brethren for 71 years and active in the Women’s Fellowship.  She was past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, served on the Home Hospital Sewing Auxiliary, and was a past member of the Women of the Moose.  Gertrude served as Goodwill Ambassador for the Rossville Summer’s End Festival in 2005.  Gertrude was an avid collector of ladybugs and regularly volunteered at her church with making noodles and angel food cakes.  

Gertrude is survived by two daughters, Carolyn J. Mosson of Rossville, and Sharon K. (John) Hysong of Lafayette; two sons, Ronald G. (Libby) Butler and Edward L. (Julie) Butler, both of Lafayette; a brother, Don R. Metzger of Lafayette; three sisters, Shirley (Karl) Powell of Woodburn, Edith (Bill) Reed of FL, and Linda Young of Lafayette; 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Maxine Roth.  

In addition to her husband and parents, Gertrude is preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence “Metz” (Helen) Metzger and Edward “Ed” (Phyllis) Metzger; one sister, Joy (Lee) Stingley; son-in-law, Gerald “Moose” Mosson; one infant granddaughter, Jacqueline; grandson, Bill Drake; great-grandson, Miles; and sister in Christ, Dorothy Jackson.

Visitation for Gertrude will be held at Genda Funeral Home Rossville Chapel on Monday, March 3, 2014 from 4-7 pm.  Funeral services will be held at the Rossville Church of the Brethren on Tuesday, March 4, 2014 at 11 am with one hour visitation prior.  Pastor Allen Weldy will officiate.  Burial will follow in Rossville Cemetery.  Memorials in Gertrude’s name may be made to Rossville School Foundation, Rossville Brethren Church, or Milner Community Health Care.  Online condolences may be directed to www.gendafuneralhome.com.