Mary Gertrude (Gert or Gertie) Schulte, age 86, of Warrensburg, Missouri passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter Kathy on Monday, April 12, 2010. She had suffered a severe stroke three weeks previous to that date.

Gertrude was born Sept. 25, 1923 in Granger, Iowa, the daughter of Frank and May Nixon. She was a graduate of Assumption Catholic High School in Granger and attended grades first through twelfth at Assumption. She married George W. Schulte, also of Granger, on Nov. 25, 1948. The couple and their family made their home in Urbandale, Iowa until 1963 when they moved to Clinton, Missouri. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage until George's death on March 27, 2003.

Gert was a dedicated homemaker, wife and mother. She was also a fun grandma who especially enjoyed playing a card game called Skipbo with the grandkids. When they were younger she spent time reading to them and piecing puzzles together. She worked at Zenith Fireworks for nearly 20 years during her 50s and 60s when most people are considering retirement.

Singing in the church choir was one of Gertrude's favorite activities. She also enjoyed playing the piano. As she put it, she would go down to the basement and pound on the piano. She also spent time crocheting and was well-known for her afghans with the zig-zag stitch. Other hobbies were reading, embroidery and walking.

Gertrude is survived by her children, Bill Schulte and wife, Candy of Keokuk, Iowa; Ed Schulte and wife Nene of Warrensburg, Missouri; Kathy Price and husband Charlie of Sedalia, Missouri; Peggy Cooper and husband Don of Carrollton, Missouri; and Jack Schulte and wife Karen of Clinton, Missouri. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren with two on the way. She also leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Theresa Schulte and Frances Michael both of Urbandale, Iowa, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Joe Nixon and her brother Willie Nixon and his wife Gwen.

Visitation will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 16, 2010. A funeral mass will follow at 7 p.m. also at Holy Rosary.

Burial services will be at Beaver Cemetery in Granger, Iowa at 12 p.m. on Saturday, April 17.

Family suggests memorial contributions to Bothwell Hospice or Holy Rosary School and can be left at Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri. Fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.