Gertrude Elswick

Gertrude Blankenship Elswick, 98, of Lewis Center, died Monday, September 7, 2015 just 6 days short of her 99th birthday. She was born September 13, 1916 in Pike County, Kentucky to the late Dallas and Florence Blankenship. Education was very important to Gertrude and she always encouraged her daughters to continue their schooling. She was a graduate of Pikeville High School, Pikeville, Kentucky and retired from The Union Co. department store. She also worked for J.C. Penney Co. and later became a Flea Market Diva. She was a very generous and giving person who loved to open her home for family and friends. She also enjoyed garage sales, quilting, and sewing. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Earl Elswick; and siblings, Edgar, Frank, Arthur, and Alex Blankenship, and Nina Johnson. Gertrude is survived by her daughters, Betty Hicks, Peggy Nance, Earlena Sue Elswick, and Nina Elswick; grandchildren, Whitney (Matthew) Huddleston, Laura (Bruce) Comiskey, and Ronald (Kelley Barron) Hicks; great-grandchildren, Ronald, Jr., Reese, Aidan, and Gertrude "Trudy"; beloved sister in law, Bonnie Blankenship; cherished brother in law, Charles Johnson; and many dear family members and friends. Visitation will be 6-8 PM Friday, September 11, 2015 at the SCHOEDINGER NORTH CHAPEL, 5554 Karl Rd. where funeral service will be held 2 PM Saturday with visitation one hour prior. Entombment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. Contributions in Gertrude's memory may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 6155 Rockside Rd. Ste. 202, Independence, OH 44131. Visit www.schoedinger.com to extend condolences or share a favorite memory.