Beulah Gertrude Davis, 94, of Smithshire, passed away Tuesday, July 19, 2022 following complications from a stroke. She was born April 14, 1928, the only child of Glen M. and Helen (Brent) Davis.
Her early life was spent in the Gerlaw area. Her family moved to Ellison, IL in 1931. Gertrude spent the remainder of her life in Smithshire. She graduated from Roseville High School in 1946 and attended Monmouth College and Browns’ Business College.
Gertrude married Kenneth E. “Jake” Davis on August 13, 1950 and he preceded her in death in 2010. Gertrude worked in Galesburg as a secretary and bank teller. She sometimes rode the Doodlebug to commute to Galesburg. She was a farm wife for many years. They farmed near Smithshire and raised two sons, Steven E. and Alan R. Davis. Later, she served as the postmaster in Smithshire.
Gertrude was a woman of deep faith. She was an active member of the Smithshire United Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women. Gertrude wrote the book of Smithshire history for the centennial in 1988. She was also a member of the Edwards River Earth Science Club. In later years she loved to go with Jake in their trailer and camp, especially when the leaves were pretty.
While Gertrude always criticized her own cooking, she was a wonderful cook, one of the people whose food made Smithshire potlucks special. One of her last acts prior to her stroke was to deliver cookies to church. Gertrude played piano and was the church backup pianist for several years. She was known for her service to God and her community.
She is survived by her two sons, Steven (Nancy) Davis and Alan (Lisa) Davis and their families.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at the funeral home with visitation to be held one hour prior. Interment will be in Ellison Cemetery, Smithshire, IL. Memorials may be made to the Smithshire United Methodist Church. Wise Family Funeral home, Roseville, IL is in charge of the arrangements.
