SMITH (nee Eheler) Gertrude (Gertie) April 28, 1908 - February 18, 2009 Gertie passed away peacefully and will be sadly missed by her sons Clare (Christine) Murray (Barbara) and grandchildren Candice, Curt, Kimberly, Regan, Avery, Martin and Mark, also 8 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Gertie Smith was a pioneer homesteader of the Melfort, Saskatchewan area, along with her parents, William and Jessie Eheler. The family consisted of sisters, Janet, Cresson and Margaret and brothers Edgar and Frank, who have all pre- deceased her. She is survived by her sister-in-law Anna Eheler of Port Loring, Ontario and numerous nieces and nephews. She married Fred Smith in 1932. Fred died in 1978. She worked hard growing up on the farm. Her horses were her first love. She drove an eight horse team, learned to drive a car at 16 and drove until she was 93. She and Fred survived the "dirty thirties" and started their own Puffed Wheat business in Melfort. Gertie loved her roses and always had a large vegetable garden. She was a great homemaker, pies, baking and canning and her door was always open. Gertie was a founding member of the "Downtown House", Red Deer. She enjoyed playing Bingo ( played 15 cards), Old Time dancing and driving her friends to these events in her "orange" Volvo, in later years. Special thanks to her friend, Betty Lauritsen for all her kindness and help. Gertie lived in Alberta for over 60 years, the last 6 years at Davenport Cottage. The family would like to thank the staff for their excellent care, especially Laura and Glynis. A family Graveside service was held at the Red Deer Cemetery on February 21, 2009 by the Reverend Drew Burnand and the Personal Alternative Funeral Services.