Gertrude Chitwood

Gertie passed away on January 21, 2022 at the age of 91 at the home of her daughter, Sandra in Lyons, Oregon who had cared for her for about the last 5 years.
She was born in Salem, Oregon on July 7, 1930 and given the name Gertrude Arene Kilday. She very much preferred to be called Gertie and would be sure that you knew it. Gertie lived most of her life in Salem where she raised 5 children and often worked as a caregiver. In 1994 she met and married the love of her life 'Dude” Francis Leroy Chitwood. He very much lived up to his nickname “Dude” as he made her laugh and smile more in their 16 years together then she had in her lifetime. They were members of the Salem Senior Center where they were seen laughing and smiling while they danced and played music together. They were together until his death in October 2012.
Gertie is survived by her 5 children Sandra Kyser, Terry Hutchison, Richard Hutchison, Tim Hutchison and Penny Gabbard. Also, her sisters Gloria Thompson and Charlotte Lau and her brother Keith Kilday along with numerous grandchildren. She was a fighter right up until the very last day and was the longest living member of her family. We would often say that Gertie would out live us all. We would like to thank Willamette Valley Hospice for providing care and guidance for her life in her last days. A funeral service will be held 1pm; Saturday; February 5, 2022 at Restlawn Funeral Home & Memory Gardens. Interment will be in Willamette National Cemetery Tuesday; February 8, 2022 at 1pm.
With love, your children.