Gertrude M. Stephenson

Gertrude Stephenson, age 98 ¾ years old, died on June 8, 2025 in Salem, Indiana.

She was born September 18, 1926, north of Lake Cicott in Cass County, Indiana, to Leroy & Sarah Ann Buchanan Young. Gertrude graduated from Royal Center High School and married Melvin Stephenson in 1944. They were charter members of the Monroe Church of Christ.

Gertrude retired from the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. She was a homemaker who enjoyed working in her flowers and at home. She was involved in a variety of patriotic and political community organizations, receiving numerous awards and recognitions, including the 2006 Washington County Citizen of the Year and the 1970 Indiana All-American Family. She was a 65 year member of the Christopher Harrison Chapter DAR, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, Society of Indiana Pioneers, 70+ years in Highland Homemakers, Highland Farmers Club, 30 year 4-H Club leader, Washington County Historical Society, Friends of Becks Mill, Farm Bureau, Republican Women and Friends of the Library.

Gertrude was very active in these organizations and served as an officer or board member in several. In recent years, her passion was assisting veterans, as well as recording and preserving written stories of their service in newspaper articles and bound collections.

She was preceded in death by: her husband, Melvin; her parents; brothers: Virgil, Lawrence, Richard, Herbert, and Jim Young; sisters: Lucile Burns, Grace Kesser, and Mary Webb; and grandson Todd Reno.

Surviving are children: Blair (Charlene) Stephenson (Irving, TX), Sarah (Tommy) Martin (Salem, IN), Mary (Billy) Kniffen (Menard, TX), Susan (Greg) Reno (Duncanville, TX), Cheryl (Bobby) Faucett (Godley, TX) and Eric (Diana) Stephenson (Gallatin, TN); 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, one great, great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

MEMORIAL DONATIONS: In lieu of flowers or donations, Gertrude’s wish is that you “pay it forward” by visiting a shut in or veteran or take flowers to a friend.

VISITATION: June 18, 2025 4:00-7:00 p.m. and June 19, 2025 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

FUNERAL SERVICE: June 19, 2025 12:00 pm (Noon)

BURIAL: Crown Hill Cemetery, Salem Indiana