Gertrude May (Maynard) Unger

Gertrude May (Maynard) Unger, 96, of Battle Creek and formerly of Brooksville, Florida died peacefully at Glen Arbor Hospice Residence, with her family at her side, on Wednesday, December 19, 2018. Gertrude was born December 16, 1922, the daughter of Curtis and Mida (Cassidy) Maynard in Inez, Kentucky. She grew up in Kentucky and then Dearborn, Michigan graduating as the 1940 Valedictorian of Fordson High School in Dearborn. After high school she was employed at Ford Motor Company and the Allen Park, Michigan Veteran's Administration Medical Center during the 1940's. Gertrude married Joseph Unger on November 22, 1947 in Dearborn, Michigan. Surviving are Joseph, her husband of 71 years; two sons, Thomas J. Unger (Victoria A.) Unger of Ceresco and Michael Unger of Gloucester, VA; two grandchildren, Benjamin and Juliana Unger; and cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; a son, Richard Unger; a sister, Gladys Frazier and two brothers, Clancy and Curtis Maynard. Family life for Gertrude and Joseph began in Dearborn, MI, a short six month move to Columbus in 1956 and then back to Redford Township, MI. From 1957 to 1968 they lived in Madison, WI, moving back to Romeo, MI 1968-1988. They resided in Springhill and Brookside, FL until May 2016 when moving to the home of their son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and Victoria and grandchildren, Benjamin and Juliana at Lee Lake in Ceresco, MI. Gertrude was active in the Baptist Churches to which they belonged. She always had a caring Christian spirit for those in need. Gertrude was always athletic and in her later years in Florida, she loved golf, winning the club championship in her age group and the hole-in-one at the age of 90. She enjoyed water skiing, boating and fishing in Madison. She loved spending time with her family and friends. Gertrude will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her cremated remains will be inurned at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at a future date with her husband. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gertrude's memory may be made to Glen Arbor Hospice Residence c/o Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan (https://www.hospiceswmi.org/). Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com