Gertrude Cook DeRusha

Gertrude Cook DeRusha, 103, died Wednesday, October 26, 2016, in Abilene, Texas at Hendrick Medical Center. Born in Noodle, Texas on October 2, 1913 in a half dugout, Gertrude was the daughter of the late Etta (Ely) and George Nathan Cook. As a small child, Gertrude traveled by wagon to Lea County, New Mexico, where her family homesteaded for several years. She attended high school in Anson, Texas, and graduated from Parson's Beauty School in 1932. She married Ray DeRusha on October 1, 1938 in Abilene. She assisted in the establishment of the first hair care center at Abilene State School. She was a retired beautician, having been self-employed for 25 years. Gertrude spent many years caring for and supporting her children and grandchildren, serving as homeroom mother and volunteering for the local 4-H Club. She was a longtime member of 16th & Vine Street Church of Christ and Southern Hills Church of Christ. Gertrude loved to sew and spent hours making and altering clothing for friends, family and charities. She sewed hundreds of pairs of underwear for children who are served by the Christian Service Center. Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband in 1990; her parents; brothers William L. and Howard Cook; sisters Maude Watts, Virginia Gilbreth, and Rowena Baker McIlroy; and daughter Charlene Olsen. She is survived by her daughter, Romara and husband Buddy Carter; sister, Anna Lanell Caffey; one grandson; three granddaughters; five great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and numerous other family members. Two great-grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers – Vaughn and Paris Kypke. The family wishes to thank Hendrick Medical Center, Dr. Robert Striegler, Legacy Lane at Wisteria Place, Hendrick Hospice, and Southern Hills Church of Christ. Visitation and viewing will be 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 28th, in The Hamil Family Funeral Home Chapel, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene, prior to the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Don Newhouse will officiate. A private interment will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ben Richey Boys Ranch, P.O. Box 6839, Abilene, TX 79608.