Gertie Marie Deason

Gertie was many things: a loving mother, a devoted mother-in-law, a proud grandmother, and a beaming great-grandmother. She was a fiercely loyal protector of her family who always showed up when you needed help, whether it was bringing food, fixing a mess, or setting someone straight.

She found joy in the simple things: tending to her garden, making flowers bloom, and fixing anything around the house that needed attention. If something broke, Gertie would find a way to make it work again.

For 20 years, Gertie worked as a Dial-a-Ride driver, where she became well-known for her reliability, kindness, and occasional playful sass with her co-workers and passengers.

She had a wonderful sense of humor and could make you laugh even in the hardest of times. She had a knack for finding the funny side of life, whether she was telling a story, giving you a good-natured ribbing, or laughing at her own expense.

Gertie loved shopping trips with her daughter Stephanie, and she often watched her grandkids — even bravely taking them camping by herself. She also loved traveling to California with them to visit Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Knott’s Berry Farm, making memories that her family will cherish forever.

She had a special way of spending time with her grandkids — by putting them to work just so she could pay them. It was her way of teaching responsibility, sneaking in some extra family time, and giving them a little spending money all at once.

Gertie’s love didn’t stop with people — she adored the family dogs, Porter and Paisley, and spoiled them rotten with hamburgers every chance she got. In her eyes, they weren’t pets — they were family with fur.

She is preceded in death by her beloved grandson A.J., whom she now joins with love. She leaves behind a family who treasured her: her daughter Stephanie, son-in-law Aaron, grandson Ashton, granddaughter Alexia, great-granddaughter Abigail, great-grandson Bradley, and great-granddaughter Naomi. She also leaves behind a community who will miss her and a legacy of grit, love, laughter, and just enough orneriness to keep everyone on their toes.

In true Gertie fashion, we expect laughter through tears, a few spirited stories, and maybe a little good-natured arguing — just the way she would have wanted. And we’re sure that somewhere in heaven, she’s already rearranging the flowerbeds, tightening any loose screws, and probably irritating A.J. too.

Directly following the service, join us in celebration by gathering, eating, and sharing memories of Gertie at Stephanie and Aaron's house located at 19216 N. 68th Ave. Feel free to bring any additional food, drinks, or light bites.