Gertrude Ellen Hutchings, beloved wife of the late Charles "Chick" Hutchings, passed away at the age of 83 years at Lakeside Manor Care Home, Saltcoats, SK on Monday, June 18, 2012. She was 83 years of age. Gertrude, Gertie as she was known to family and friends, was born on the family farm in the R.M. of Churchbridge on December 26, 1928. She was the only daughter of Samuel "Pa" and Ellen "Nanny" Wade and sister to William, Harry and Reg. Gertie received her elementary education at Pennock School and attended high school in Saltcoats, boarding at Barbara Muir's home. In her spare time, Gertie worked at the local café. While she was living in town, Gertie met Charles "Chick" Hutchings and they were married on July 14, 1950. They were blessed with three children, Isabel, Charles and Linda. For many years Chick and Gertie were janitors at the bank. After Chick's passing, Gertie continued to do the cleaning on her own. Over the years she also babysat for several families in the community. Gertie's home was always open to everyone and she was ready for a cup of tea and a visit. Gertie was an active member of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and served as secretary for 25 years. She was active in the A.C.W. (Anglican Church Women), Ladies Curling Club and Minor Sports in Saltcoats. After the Lakeside Manor Care Home was built Gertie enjoyed being a volunteer. When Gertie's health began to fail, she became a resident in the Manor. She loved the residents, caregivers, visitors and entertainment at Lakeside as well as going on road trips in the Blue Whale. On Monday, June 18, 2012, Gertie became an angel, joining her parents Sam and Ellen, her husband, Chick, her granddaughter, Kristina Rae, her brothers, William and Harry and her son, Charles. Left to cherish her memory are her children and their families, daughter, Isabel (John) Ackland and their family, Brian (Jenn) Ackland (and their children, Brody, Parker and Kyle), Cheryl (Rob) Clemenshaw (and their children, Tessa, Colten and Walker); her daughter-in-law, Gloria Hutchings and family, Ben Hutchings, Miles (Carienne) Hutchings (and their daughter, Callie), Kim (Byron) Dorn, Jodie Hutchings (and her children, Tyson and Jacyn); her daughter, Linda (Garry) Ruf and their children, Bradley (Jodi) Ruf, Blair (Marissa) Ruf (and their children, Gaby and Aiden) and Brett (Robin) Ruf; her brother, Reg Wade as well as many extended family members and friends. Funeral Services were held on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Rev. Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Mr. Lorne Neal led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Rock of Ages", "Precious Lord, Take My Hand", "Would You Bless Our Homes and Families" and "Amazing Grace". Ministry in song was offered by Verna Penner from The Church of God in Christ Mennonite. An Interment Service took place at the Saltcoats Town Cemetery with Bradley Ruf, Blair Ruf, Brett Ruf, Brian Ackland, Ben Hutchings and Miles Hutchings serving as pallbearers. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
