Getrude Lester Hall

Gertrude Lester Hall passed away at the age of 100 years, 5 months, and 5 days on January 20th, 2012. She was born in South Bend, Washington to Bettie and Edmun Lester on August 15, 1911. Spending her early childhood years living in or near logging camps in Washington, as her father was a logging contractor; she had a deep appreciation of the outdoors.

She graduated from Morton High School in 1928 attended Centralia Junior College and later earner her MA in Education from Central Washington College.

Gertrude began teaching during the depression in Packwood, WA earning $100.00 a month for the 9 month school year. She also taught in Randle, Castle Rock, Ridgefield, and Vancouver. Gertrude joined the office of the Clark County School Superintendent in 1958 as a curriculum consultant. This took her to many elementary schools in Clark and Skamania Counties. Retirement came in 1976 though the door to schools did not close.

While teaching in Lewis County she met and married William A. (Bill) Hall in 1937.

They were married for 68 years and often spent part of their summers traveling. Family responsibilities, gardening and roses kept them busy. After they both retired they traveled extensively throughout the world pursuing their new found love of rocks and minerals. Petrified wood fascinated them. Both Bill and Gertrude joined the Oregon Agate and Mineral Society, both worked for many years to have petrified wood be recognized as a gemstone worthy of crafting for competitive exhibiting. Both served, at different times, as President of OAMS and both were recognized by OMSI with Lifetime Volunteer recognition. Gertrude was one of the founders of the Tom Bones Scholarship Foundation and served on its Board of Trustees.

Gertrude is survived by son and daughter-in-law Richard and Bernice Hall of LaCenter; daughter and son-in-law Dianne and Tom McDowell of Yacolt; Granddaughter Tammy (Larry) Bauska, Yacolt; Priscilla (Bob) Ford, LaCenter; Grandsons Doug (Angie) Hall, Ridgefield; Curtis (Debbie) Hall, Vancouver; David McDowell, Scottsdale; Scott McDowell, Battle Ground; Richard (Kim) Hall, Battle Ground; 14 great grandchildren and 1.9 (due any day) great- great-granddaughters, and a cousin Tink Martin of Centralia, and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers friends may make a contribution to the Tom Bones Scholarship Foundation c/o Oregon Agate and Mineral Society, Donna Ernst, 2372 SE 46th Ave.

Portland, Oregon 97215-3738.

Arrangements under the direction of Vancouver Funeral Chapel, Vancouver, WA.