Obituary of Gertrude Elizabeth Stoddard

Gertrude ELizabeth Stoddard Our beloved mother Gertrude Elizabeth Stoddard (Metz), 87, of Virden formerly of Meadow Brook, was ushered into heaven by the angels of the Lord on Thursday, 6th day of September, 2012, at 3:30AM at her residence. She was born May 19, 1925, in Saline County in Ferrells Hospital in Eldorado, IL. Gertrude was the daughter of the late Ralph and Betty (Jones) Metz. She was preceded in death by an older brother Adam Metz of Brighton, twin sister Juanita Kleeman of Staunton and infant sister Lovetta Metz. Gertrude was married to the Rev. Delbert L. Stoddard Sr. formerly of Greenfield, Illinois. They were married on January 22, 1944 for 62 years until his passing on April 5, 2006. She is survived by a son, Delbert (Debbie) Stoddard Jr. of Girard, daughter, daughter, Sharon (Terry) Abner of Nilwood, daughter Shelia Y. Stoddard of Virden. Currently she has 10 grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 4 step-great grandchildren, 9 great great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins to numerous to mention. Besides being a pastor's wife, her heart was truly warmed to see souls accept Jesus into their hearts and be born again. Her interests and hobbies included, buying, collecting and selling antiques. She enjoyed composing songs, poems, singing, playing her Alvarez Dove guitar. Her song "In Memory of the 101st Airborne" the album was produced by Columbine Records in Nashville and sang by Elaine Petree. She loved gardening, farming, quilting, bowling, cooking, baking and owned and operated her own restaurant and gas station years ago. Gertrude was a member of the Grace Southern Baptist Church in Virden and a long time member of the Meadow Brook Southern Baptist Church. Funeral Information Memorial Services will be held, Saturday, October 13, 2012 at 10:00 AM at the Meadow Brook Southern Baptist Church. Private burial was held at Roselawn Memorial Gardens at Bethalto, IL.