Gertrude Elizabeth Graves, 96, of Harrisonburg, VA., formerly of Falls Church, VA. went to be with the Lord on Friday, March 31, 2023. Gertie was born on the family farm in Bristow, VA on August 7, 1926 to Frank and Florence Rollins. Gertie was preceded in death by her husband, George Whitney Graves formerly of Falls Church, VA., and her son, Russell (Rick) Lewis Graves of Centerville, VA. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Florence Rollins, a brother Frank Rollins, four sisters Claire Eldridge, Anna Mae Martin, Doris Inskeep, and Mary Koenig; and by her best friend of 70+ years, Millie Bogle.
Surviving Gertie is her son, George William (Billy) Graves of Burke, VA and her daughter, Linda Florence Graves Hile of Kalispell, MT. She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren; two brothers, Albert Rollins, and Eddie Rollins, 2 sisters, Charlotte Dameron, and Barbara Justice, and her brother-in-law, Norman Graves; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gertie enjoyed several careers during her working years, including being an executive dining room hostess at the Pentagon during WWII, 1943-1958. During this time at the Pentagon, she and a group of her girlfriends formed a Birthday Club. Gertie and her girlfriends would meet monthly to celebrate and she continued to join her friends for the monthly celebration until she moved to Harrisonburg, VA in 2018. From 1970 through 1989 she had a second career working with Giant Food. She loved taking care of and cooking for her family. She was also an avid reader and enjoyed taking long walks and participating in her weekly bowling league. And, last but not least, she was die-hard Washington Redskin fan.
The family would like to thank all who participated in her care, especially in her last years. The administration and staff of Sunnyside Presbyterian Home met her needs with professional courtesy and loving care. Words can't express our heartfelt thanks for the care she received and support they gave the family during her time there. And, a special thanks to First Choice Home Health & Hospice for their loving care during her final days.
There will be no visitation scheduled. However, there will be a graveside service for family and close friends to be held at a later date in the National Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, it is the family wishes that any memorial contributions be made to the First Choice Home Health & Hospice, 1819 Virginia Ave, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 or the Sunnyside Communities Fellowship Fund, 600 University Blvd, Suite L, Harrisonburg, VA 22801 (a fund which helps current Sunnyside residents who have outlived their financial resources through no fault their own).
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