True love stories speak to the soul and warm the heart. These romanticized stories are often found in fairytales, but the recently departed Gertrude and Edward Stewart lived it.
Edward (Ed) was born in ‘Michigan but moved to New Mexico as a young boy. Gertrude (Gerty) was born and grew up in Oxford.
In 1935 on a trip back to Michigan with his grandparents, Ed’s sister insisted that he meet her friend, Gerty.
At the time Ed was working at a service station and Gerty grudgingly agreed to meet him there.When they met it was a ‘love at first sight? moment and their lives changed forever. Ed decided he would not return to New Mexico. He wanted to stay in Michigan with his future bride.
The two were married on Oct. 1, 1936, and they never left each other’s side.
Ed was loved for adventurous spirit and sense of humor, which he shared with his wife.’The two laughed together often, and glowed in happiness and contentment inspired by true soul mates. ?
‘I never saw them fight,? their daughter Jayne said.?’They never went to bed angry. They were happy together their whole lives.?
Gerty was a poet, writing poetry for publications and for her beloved husband. The two wrote hundreds of poems for each other over the years, from short, funny lines to long love sonnets. ?
She was a devoted wife and mother to their five children.
In their last days together a stillness and understanding between Gerty and Ed was impenetrable.
As one of their last requests, Ed asked that he and his wife be cremated and their ashes be put back together.
‘Shake that box real good,? he said to their children.
On their last night together, Jan. 3, Gerty lied in bed next to Ed.
‘Save a place for me in heaven,? she said softly to him.
Moments later Ed her as their children quietly sang Sweet Hour of Prayer.
Gerty followed Ed to heaven a short ten days later.
‘She pretty much went with him that day,? Jayne said. ‘She didn’t want to be here without him.? ?
Gerty and Ed had lived together in harmony and love for 72 years.
They are survived by their children Gary (Darlene), Judy (John) Morris, Mary (Aaron) Sprague, Margaret Johnson, and Jayne, and by 15 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren and 6 great-great grandchildren.
A memorial celebration for both Ed and Gerty will be held at 11 a.m. on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at First Baptist Church in Lake Orion. Arrangements were entrusted to Lynch and Sons Funeral Directors of Oxford.