Thanksgiving was lovely, I always look forward to it on the Geertsen side. Paul and Sharon hosted at their cozy home this year.
It was a treat to have Grandma Loise and her sister with us, it's been so long since we've seen her and I always enjoy chatting with her. Our kids were thrilled to meet the Grandma they always get a Birthday card and $5 from each year.
I sat with Grandma Gertrude for a while, talking about her sore hip from a fall she had in her room. I asked, "Where you alone when it happened?" she replied, "Yes, I was alone!" I chuckled, and said in my defense she has been married four times! She was in pain from her hip and while we were chatting she said, "I just didn't think I would still be here". (she's 95!) I told her we were glad she was. As we drove away that day, I commented to Jon how old she is, and just didn't seem to be doing well. She is the sweetest lady, and I said a little prayer for her. The next week, and her back in the hospital revealed she had in deed fractured both sides of her pelvis, and with talks of surgery for a pace maker, she made it known she wanted none of that, and was ready to "Go home to Mamma and Pappa." Paul brought his mother to his home, where the family was able to visit and say their good-bye's. Really, when I think of it, she deserved it that way. Jon went up a couple different evenings, bringing different kids with him. Sharon told me how Adren sat in a chair next to her, held her hand, and rested his head on her and cried and cried. Gertrude has a been a staple in our family! She has come to every event, used to host dinners at her home, and when living with Paul and Sharon we were able to have her over quite a bit~ so our children know her well. I told them how lucky they are to know their Great-Grandma, because most of us have not had that privilege. And she was a sweet one! I kept thinking of her, each day checking in with Sharon. I kept asking Jon~ "Should I run up there?" I knew she was just asleep in her bed, and I had just chatted with her, and gave her a hug and told her I loved her, but I just kept thinking I should run up there one last time. I joked with Jon she was hanging on because I hadn't made it yet. Finally, after church and feeding the family, and Jon getting tired of my question, "Should I run up there?" I hopped in the car to go. As I was pulling out Eli ran after me, when I told him where I was going he hopped in, too. It was good to see her. I rubbed her arm and told her it was me, and I was there to tell her I loved her, and thank you for all she has done to help out our little family. I let her know we have been praying for her, and that she was surrounded by everyone that loved her so. She died the next morning. Gertrude will be missed, but it makes me smile to think of where she is.
Obituary
Gertrude Cottam Geertsen Madsen Gale
(April 29, 1917 - December 3, 2012)
Gertrude Cottam Geertsen Madsen Gale
Died peacefully at home 3 December 2012 due to incident of age. Born 29
April 1917, St. George, Utah to parents Mary Gertrude Judd and Charles
Smith Cottam. Preceded in death by husbands Peter Conway Geertsen,
Robert Peter Madsen, and Benjamin Lee Gale; and a daughter Betty Jean
Harris, Survived by sons : Peter Conway Geertsen, Paul Christian
Geertsen; Sister Naomi Carr; step children Roberta Davis and Julie
Cowley; and numerous Grand Children and Great Grand Children. Services to be held Friday 7 December 11 AM Orchard Stake Center Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 810 East 600 North Orem Utah, viewing prior from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Interment 2 PM Larkin Cemetery, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy Utah. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Humanitarian Fund The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.