DITZLER Gertrude Eileen Ditzler of Lacombe passed away peacefully in her 97th year on March 14, 2006 in the Lacombe Hospital & Care Center. She was born at Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on November 15, 1908 to Leslie and Mary Pearce. In 1918 the family moved to a farm east of Lacombe. Gertrude graduated from the Camrose Normal School in 1927 and taught for 7 years before marrying Leland "Chum" Ditzler on July 4, 1934. They resided on the farm in the Joffre District until June 1995 when they moved to the Lacombe Senior Lodge. She was a member of the Lacombe Garden Club, Eclipse Unifarm, U.C.W. and a faithful church and community worker. Gertrude was predeceased by her loving husband of 63 years in April 1997. Gertrude is survived by one son Ken (Bettie) of the Joffre District and one daughter Shirley (Gerry) Field of Ponoka; sister Helen Jensen, High River, brother Reg (Marion) Pearce of Calgary. Also loved by six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and many friends. Memorial services will be held from St. Andrews United Church in Lacombe on Monday April 3, 2006 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Ross Smillie officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in the Red Deer Cemetery. If friends so desire contributions may be made to: Lacombe Hospital & Care Center, Extended Care, 5430 47 Ave., Lacombe, AB. T4L 1G8; Canadian Bible Society, 110 - 11 Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB. Wilson's Funeral Chapel of Lacombe & Rimbey in care of the arrangements.