OBITUARIES

Gertrude Durgans

Gertrude “Trudy” E. Durgans, age 83, died Wednesday, Dec. 2, at Friends Care Community in Yellow Springs. She was born Dec. 7, 1925, in Chicago, Ill., the daughter of the late William Henry Sr., and Cleola Rodgers Durgans.

Gertrude graduated from Du Sable High School in 1944 and obtained a B.A. degree in sociology from Roosevelt University. After 36 years, she retired from the U.S. Post Office, where she served as the equal employment opportunity counselor and women’s program coordinator for the Northern Illinois district. Gertrude was a faithful and active member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Chicago. Following her relocation to Trotwood, Ohio, Gertrude continued her service at First Baptist Church of Ridgewood Heights and Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.

Gertrude is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Durgans (Edward) Willett; her nephews Thomas (Francine) Durgans, Jr., Kenneth (Tara) Durgans; nieces Karen Y. Durgans and Cheryl E. Durgans; cousins Kimberly (Rory) Shores and Edwinita Rowser; her friends Francis Hill, Jessie Wright, Ernestine (Micky) Williams; and many other nieces, nephews and friends. Gertrude was preceded in death by her brothers, William H. Durgans Jr., Charles Durgans and Thomas L. Durgans, Sr. The family would like to offer special thanks to Friends Care Community and Vitas Hospice staff, with kudos to Kent Little of Friends Care, for their skilled, dedicated, humorous and compassionate support.

The family will receive friends on Friday, Dec. 11, 11 a.m.–noon, followed by the funeral service at noon at First Baptist Church in Yellow Springs, with Rev. Vurn Mullins officiating. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Chicago, Ill., on Monday, Dec. 14. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Friends Care Community (Memorial Fund), or to Vitas Innovative Hospice Care in Moraine, Ohio.