Gertrude Frances Weerth Wallace

Mrs. Gertrude Wallace, of DeFuniak Springs passed away in the early morning hours of Mother’s Day just five days shy of her ninety fourth birthday. She was born May 19, 1923 in Brooklyn, New York, the daughter of Fredrick William Weerth and Adaline Mary Horl Weerth. Gertrude worked in the healthcare profession, in hospitals as a sanitation specialist. In October of 1969 she and her late husband Elmer purchased property and made DeFuniak Springs their home after visiting friends in the area. She loved her goats and cows and along with her husband tended the stock. The story is told of the day one of her neighbors, Jimmy Ates, livestock trailers malfunctioned, allowing his bull to escape, and it was Gertrude who got the bull by the tail and secured it. Most in this area will remember her as the “doll and clown lady” who often times would be found on weekends at busy intersections selling her wares to tourist and locals alike. All who knew Gertrude know of her zest for life, her wit and the joy she brought to others. She was Presbyterian by faith.

Among survivors are her sons, Gary and Elmer and wife Barbara. Her grandchildren, Cynthia, Christopher and wife Kristine, Lloyd and Sandy and husband William. Her great grandchildren, Alexsandra, Nichole, Frances and Mary and husband David. One great great granddaughter, Alayna also survive.

Private family services are being held.