Obituary of Gertrude Louise Arrington

Gertrude Louise Arrington, 98, of Zion, Illinois, left this life for her Heavenly Home peacefully on Tuesday, October 17, 2017.  She was the youngest of nine children born to Peter Bernard and Abigail Jane (Dike) Johnson on February 26, 1919.  Gertrude lived most of her life in Zion, Illinois until moving to Elgin in 2002 to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

She married Harry Robert Arrington on July 29, 1939.  They were married for 53 years until his death on August 19, 1992.

Gertrude enjoyed her life and was most happy when she could help others.  She was President of the Zion Women’s Club and always enjoyed helping with all of their activities for many years.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents; her 2 brothers George (Sue) Johnson and Dike (Mary) Johnson; her 6 sisters Dorothy (Orai) Lehman, Olive (Theodore) Ruesch, Myrtle (Les) Knepper, Edna (Herbert) Ruesch, Phoebe (Julius) Hoppe, and Minnie (Ferdinand) Serto.  Also preceding her were her sister-in-law, Gertrude (Otto) Duhe and her brother-in-law, Charles Arrington, along with several nephews and her life-long friends, Kathryn Paul and Aldene Nordmark.

She is survived by her only child, Linda (Patrick H.) Rich and her 2 grandchildren Kurtis (Kerry) Rich and Kathleen (Scott) Behnke.  She also leaves her “8 Great” grandchildren, Meghan (Joshua) Damore, Maura, Molly, and Patrick B. Rich, and Zachary, Maxwell, Samuel, and Elizabeth Behnke; many nieces, nephews and dear friends... especially Nina Kadziola, Andrea Bass, Josie Strzepek, and Mary Benisch.

Gertrude Arrington was a treasure to everyone who knew her.  She gave comfort and love to her family at all times.  She was an amazing woman who walked with God throughout her life.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”  Philippians 4:13.

A visitation will take place on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 9:30 until 10:00 a.m. at the Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Road, Zion.  A funeral service will follow at 10:00 a.m.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Zion Historical Society, 1300 Shiloh Blvd., Zion, IL.