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Gertrude Porterfield
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Obituary for Gertrude Helen Porterfield

Gertrude Helen  Porterfield
Gertrude Helen Porterfield, age 94, longtime Hood River, Or resident passed away peacefully on Mon, December 16, 2012 in a
Portland area foster care home. She was born August 26, 1918 in Salem, Oregon to Ruby (Hill) Scharf and Joseph Scharf.

Gertrude entered the Army in September 1944. She was a W.F.C. World War II. She was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, Leyte Gulf and Minilia Philippines, and station in the United States. She was honorably discharged as Sergeant after duty in the South Pacific.

Gertrude married Leonard Porterfield in 1946, in Parkdale, Or. She was raised and schooled in Salem, receiving her Bachelors of Science degree from Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Or. She then earned her Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Lewis and Clark University, Portland, Or.

Gertrude was a very dedicated school teacher, and taught school for 30 plus years, mostly in the Parkdale Community.

She was a longtime member of Delta Kappa Gamma and helped with Mothers and Daughters program, and she held various offices in that organization.

Gertrude was a member and elder in the Upper Hood River Valley United Church and Hood River Valley Christian Church. She enjoyed being very involved with her church, she served in a number of positions on the board committee’s. She enjoyed teaching Sunday school for the young people 50 + years.

She served on the Ecumenical Ministries Board and was named church person of the year. She served as a chairperson of the local American Red Cross Board and served for a few years.

Gertrude being a pillar in our community, enjoyed helping and healing the Hood River community Christmas food basket program which she was a part of, until her health begin to decline. She served as a volunteer for the Adult and Family Services, mostly as a driver transporting people to doctor appointments and other needs.

Gertrude was devoted wife, mother in raising her two children Kerry and Marla. She enjoyed being involved with her children’s activities especially as a Blue bird leader and for the cub Scouts.

Gertrude lived her last 5 years comfortably at Blue Sky Foster Care in Portland, Or. Family wishes to send a special thank you to the wonderful care she received from Elain and Mike Maxim.

Survivors include her loving husband; Leonard Porterfield, a daughter; Marla Bellis, Grandson; Tyler Bellis. She was preceded in death by her son; Kerry Porterfield.

Her funeral service with military honors were held at 11a.m Friday, December 21, 2012 in the Hood River Valley Christian Church, Hood River, Or 97031, with Rev. David Presley officiating. Interment was held at the Upper Valley Cemetery.
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