May 29, 1930 — Jan. 31, 2016

Gertrude M. Wallace, 85, of Niles, Michigan died on Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016 at the home of her daughter, following an extended illness.

Gertrude was born May 29, 1930, in Brooklyn, New York to Charles and Helen (Becker) Clarke and moved to the Niles area when she was just 6 years old when her father moved the family from New York to work for Simplicity Pattern Company in Niles.

Gertrude graduated from Niles High School in 1948. She volunteered for Brandywine Schools and for the Niles library and also was a reading aide for Brandywine adult education in Niles. Gertrude also enjoyed bowling.

On March 29, 1949, in Niles, Gertrude married J. “Donald” Wallace, with whom she celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, before his death on Oct. 15, 2010. Gertrude is also preceded in death by a son, William Wallace; a granddaughter, Tracee Bartley and a great-granddaughter, Zoey.

Surviving family includes two daughters, Vickie (Mark) Nolan and Kathleen (Noah) Johnson, all of Niles; grandchildren, Aimee, Stacie, Jessica, Billy, Ashley and Tiffany; great-grandchildren, LeeSonn, KeTryn, ZiEn, SudDynn, Reasonn, Loryn, Haley, Hayden and Kali and one sister, Pat Rockhill of Niles.

The funeral service for Gertrude M. Wallace will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4, 2016, at the Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery, Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Donations in memory of Gertrude may be made to either Hospice at Home or to the Alzheimer’s Association.

www.halbritterfunerals.com