Obituary of Gertrude Smith Fletcher

Gertrude Mae Smith Fletcher, 94, passed away Sunday October 09, 2016. She is survived by a son, Tom Fletcher (Carol) of Sterling, two grandchildren, Brian Fletcher (Trisha) of Hamilton, Catherine of Pasadena, MD and two great grandchildren, Taryn and Brock Fletcher and a sister, Aileen. She was preceded in death by husband of 62 years, Charlie, and her daughter, Barbara Ann Fletcher, three sisters and a brother. “Gertie” as she was known and her late husband, Charlie, were married during World War II and after a brief honeymoon began their life’s pursuit as dairy farmers near Ashburn. They owned and operated a dairy farm for the next thirty years. Her door was always open and many happy meals were enjoyed around her table. In 1944, she taught school at Calvary Church after the Ashburn High School burned down. Gertie was a volunteer in a variety of organizations, including 4-H Leader, Director of Sunday School, officer of the ladies Auxiliary of the Ashburn Fire Dept and past president of the State 4-H Leaders Association and was involved in the formation of the Blue Ridge Speech and Hearing serving as secretary. Beginning in 1950 she served on the Board of Directors of the Sterling Cemetery and secretary, Corporation Agent and sales agent. Her home always served as the Sunday & Holiday gathering place where family and friends gathered around the kitchen table for good country food, talk and laughter. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A graveside service will be held at 11am on Monday, October 17, 2016 at Sterling Cemetery. Memorial Donations may be made in her name to Ashburn Volunteer Fire Department, www.ashburnfirerescue.org or the Sterling Volunteer Rescue Squad, www.sterlingrescue.org