Gertrude Marie “Gertie” Zaruba, 94, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 15, 2024, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 A.M., Monday, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. at the funeral home.  Cremation rites have been accorded.  A private burial will be at the Mayflower Cemetery, Oxford Junction, Iowa.

Gertrude Marie Leslie was born on September 1, 1929 in Oxford Mills, Iowa, to George Washington and Beulah (Chapman) Leslie.  After graduating from Oxford Junction High School in 1948, Gertie entered the workforce, contributing her skills to the former Fish and Tackle Company and Clinton Engines in Maquoketa. Her career took a new direction when she married the love of her life, Francis Wayne Zaruba, on March 27, 1954, in Oxford Junction. Together, they welcomed four children into the world: Vicki, Sheryl, Scott, and Tim. Gertie embraced her role as a housewife and mother, pouring her love and energy into creating a nurturing home for her family.

Gertie was a woman of faith and fellowship, actively participating in the community of Faith Community Church in Maquoketa. She was a cherished member of the Honeybees Quilting Club. Her interests extended to the great outdoors, where she found joy in camping and attending Blue Grass Festivals. Gertie’s passion for nature was most evident in the special moments she spent fishing with her grandchildren, a pastime that allowed her to pass on her wisdom and create lasting memories.

Those left to honor her memory include children, Vicki (Bill) Norman of Houston, TX, Sheryl (Richard) Crist of Maquoketa, IA, Scott “Frank” (Wendy) Zaruba of Maquoketa, IA, and Tim Zaruba of Bettendorf, IA; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Chuck Brotherton; and sister-in-law Jane Leslie.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Francis Wayne on December 1, 2018, four brothers George, Melvin, Allen and Roland Leslie, three sisters Mildred Clapp, Viola Flory, and Majorie Brotherton, and a grandchild Alicia Norman.

The family would like to especially thank the staff at Maquoketa Care Center and Hospice of Jackson County for the wonderful care given to Gertie.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.