Gertrude Gifford

Gertie M. Gifford, 78, of Mondovi, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, July 11, 2018, at Mayo Health System, in Eau Claire, with family by her side
She was born on Sept. 30, 1939, in Durand, a daughter of the late George and Peg (Kern) Bignell.
She married Bubby Marum, in Durand, and to this marriage three children were born. They later divorced.
On June 15, 1985, Gertie was united in marriage to Richard Gifford, at Eleva Lutheran Church. Richard preceded Gertie in death on July 6, 2008.
Gertie was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, Post 6711, in Mondovi, the Red Hat Society, and was the unofficial transportation and activities director at her apartment complex on Buffalo Street. Gertie loved to give of herself to help others in need and enjoyed time socializing with friends.
Gertie will be remembered for her love of word search books, playing Bingo or cards, watching Hallmark movies and Game Show Network, especially re-runs of the Wheel of Fortune. She was also an avid Green Bay Packers fan. Gertie loved to cook and bake for both family and friends and was known for cooking a variety of their favorites. She enjoyed dining out at favorite restaurants with family and friends when they were in town, and her weekley meal outings. Gertie enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends and especially enjoyed trips to Las Vegas. She also enjoyed taking trips throughout the countryside and through the bluffs with no destination in mind. Gertie loved shopping for and tending to her flowers, and receiving flowers from others on various special occasions.
Gertie’s family will forever remember her as a lady that put their needs first, always worrying about their well being. She will be deeply missed.
She is survived by her children, Sherrie (Wally Winberg) Saxe, Larry (Judy) Marum and Tim Marum; stepchildren, Allen (Liz) Gifford, Barbara (David) Franko, Faye Gifford and Robert Gifford; grandchildren, Kelli Saxe, Kaydi (Ed) Saxe-Fattmann; Jennifer (Brad Clemmerson) Marum, Steve (Alicia Nelson) Marum, Dustin (Seana Hasney) Marum, Danielle, Trista and Phoebe Marum, Zachary, Colin and Nicholas Hammer, Kelsey and Dennis Franko, Kendra (Brad) Mortel; great-grandchildren, Carson and Reed, Kayla, Amy Jo and Emma, Savana and Dakota, Madison, Melissa, Cora, Robbie, Cassidy and Raelyn; sisters-in-law, Iva Bahr and Norma Ward; by her cat, Sassy, several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Besides Gertie’s parents and loving husband, Richard, she was preceded in death by her sister, Almeda “Toots” Girard; stepdaughter, Iva Newman.
A memorial service was held on Monday, July 16, at 5 p.m., at Talbot Family funeral Homes, Mondovi Chapel. A memorial gathering was held from 3 p.m. until the hour of the service on Monday, all at the funeral home. A celebration of life followed the service at the American Legion Post 154 and VFW post 6711, in Mondovi.