Gertrude L. Beck Washburn

Gertrude L. Beck Washburn, 93, of Van Wert, passed away peacefully at 9 a.m. Friday, June 17, 2011, at Vancrest Health Care Center in Delphos. She also had loving care from St. Rita’s Hospice team of Lima.

She was born October 28, 1917, in Van Wert, the daughter of the late George and Florence (Bechtol) Beck. Gertrude was united in marriage on a baseball diamond on August 3, 1941, to Estle “Hap” Washburn, who preceded her in death on June 7, 1976.

Gertrude was a very loving person devoted to her family and friends. She found particular joy in cooking for everyone and baking the best angel food cake.

Survivors include her granddaughter, Amanda Baker, Daniel T. Lehmkuble, and their son, Daniel; and her grandson, Jesse, and his wife, Alisha (Johnson) Stemen, and their son, Kadence Logan. Surviving brothers are Stephen (Colleen) Beck, Vernon (Betty) Beck, Carl (Polly) Beck, all of Van Wert; sisters Alice Dickson of Oxford, Grace (Dr. Robert) Stump of Hilton Head Island, S.C., Berniece (Earl) Zimmerman of Fort Wayne, Ind., and twin sisters Joan Davidson of Decatur, Ind., and Janet Looker of Columbus, plus many nieces and nephews.

A daughter, Patricia L. Stemen; granddaughter Tiffany DeWitt; great-grandsons Tyler Pollock and Parker James Wolford; two sisters, Hazel Beck Brubaker and Waneta Beck; and a brother, Gale Beck, also preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, at Brickner Funeral Home in Van Wert, with the Rev. Paul W. Miller officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.