Gertrude Catherine Struble

Gertrude Catherine Struble, 97 Boardman- Gertrude Catherine Struble, 97, of The Commons at the Greenbriar, formerly of Coblentz Drive, died Thursday morning at The Commons. Gertrude was born November 22, 1907 in Lowellville, a daughter of Gottlieb and Marie Haas Geiger. A 1926 graduate of Lowellville High School, Gertrude received her nursing degree from Battle Creek, Michigan School of Nursing in 1930. She also attended Case Western Reserve and the University of Chicago. She worked on and off as a private duty nurse, and also in the public health services. In 1944, Gertrude became the director of nursing services for the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross. Gertrude piloted many training programs. She received national recognition for her program using Braille and teaching blind students. Gertrude retired from the Red Cross in 1969, after completing 25 years of service. Gertrude shared her love of flowers with the members of the friendly gardeners club. For many years she also served as a leader of the Friends of the Poland Library. She was active in the Judea Christian Interdenominational Study Group, and served on the Board of Directors and treasurer for both the YWCA and District #3 of the Ohio Nursing Association. Gertrude enjoyed bridge and when she became a resident at The Commons in Boardman, she hosted a twice-weekly bridge group at her apartment. She was a member of the Poland Presbyterian Church and was often the leader of the Womenâa�a��s Friendship Circle. In 2004 Gertrude was honored with a plaque for being a fifty- year member of the Poland Presbyterian Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur N. Struble who died in 1970, and her sister Helen Naughton who died in 1964. Surviving Gertrude are her daughter Kay and her husband David van Dykman of Divide, Colorado; and two grandchildren, Keith and Debi also of Colorado. In this area, two sisters, June Steinbaugh and Anne Kubiac survive her. Funeral services will be Saturday, 11:00 AM at the Poland Presbyterian Church. Friends may call from 10:00 AM until 10:45 AM Saturday in the church. Arrangements are being handled by Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home, Poland. Condolences can be sent at www.beckerobits.com .

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