Gertrude M. Kirkham

Gertrude M. Kirkham, 96 of Billings, passed away Tuesday morning, February 21, 2006 at St. Vincent Healthcare.

The daughter of Jacob and Anna Wasserburger, she was born November 14, 1909, in Montrose, NE.. One of eleven children she grew up on the family ranch. She graduated from teachers college in Wayne, NE and taught for ten years before marrying Charles F. Kirkham, Sr. in San Francisco on December 19, 1942.

From 1953 to 1960 they made their home in Billings and Gertrude taught 4th grade at St. Pius X School and worked as a substitute teacher. After moving to Wyoming in 1960 they were members of St. Barbara's Catholic Church in Powell where she was a member and President of the Altar Society. She was also a member of the League of Women Voters. Beginning in 1976 Gertrude and Charles lived in Oregon and Idaho until returning to Billings in 1980.

Gertrude was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church. She loved football, especially the Denver Broncos. She was a great cook, shoveled her own walk and took great pride and joy in her yard. She was proud of her capabilities and being able to do these things for her self.

Gertrude's husband Charles preceded her in death, September 10, 2003.

She is survived by two sons, Charles F. Kirkham, II of Cody, Floyd T. Kirkham (Vangy) of Billings, her daughter, Sandra Hartog of Las Vegas, NV, two sisters, Hilda Barrett of Idaho and Alma Broderick of Florida, 7 grandchildren, Charles Kirkham, III, Douglas Kirkham, Susanne Kirkham, Clifford Kirkham, Tami Dayley (Shane), Toni Brimmer (Matt), and Martin Hartog (Angela), 8 great grandchildren, Cody and Jake Dayley, Jessica, Brittany, and Anthony Hartog, Heather and James Kirkham and Kailee Marie Brimmer.

Vigil services will be 7pm Thursday at St. Bernard's Parish. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Friday at the Church with Rite of Committal at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.