Gertrude Freshour, 98

Gertrude (Gertie) Mae Walker Freshour, 98 years old, passed away to her heavenly rest at home in Boise, Idaho, on Dec. 7, 2024. She was surrounded by her daughters and granddaughter.

Gertrude was born Jan. 2, 1926, in Hardin, Mont., to George Dewey Walker and Lula Mae Bowers Walker. She had an older brother, Alfred, and two sisters, Geraldine and Roberta.

The family lived in and around Hardin until Gertrude was 14. She remembered her childhood and elementary years as happy. They may not have had a lot of toys, but they made their own fun playing with each other on the farm.

In 1940, the family moved to the Flathead Valley and bought an 80-acre farm five miles north of St. Ignatius. Gertrude attended St. Ignatius High School and met Walter H. Freshour whom she would marry on Sept. 6, 1944.

During World War II the Army drafted Walter to go to Germany. The war ended about a year later, but he was to stay there for two years as part of the occupational forces in Germany. Gertrude lived with her parents and siblings during this time at the farm; they experienced rationing of many commodities. 

That July, Gertrude gave birth to her first child, a girl. It was a very anxious time for them, and they would all crowd around their static console radio to hear the war news. When Walter returned from the war, they continued to make their home in St. Ignatius for many years.

Gertrude was a homemaker while her four children were of elementary age. She liked to socialize with her many lady friends and her sisters. They would often get together to share farm chores like canning, etc.  S

She cooked delicious meals and baked goods for the family. She was an excellent baker, and she was proud of her high chiffon and angel food cakes made from scratch. She also made delicate donuts, cinnamon rolls and maple bars.

As her children reached high school age, Gertrude took jobs around our town. She made many friends among the townspeople and their children. She worked at the day-care center in St. Ignatius where the staff and kids all called her "Granny". That was what her own grandchildren called her as well. She loved them all, and they all felt it. 

While in Boise, she did childcare for her great-granddaughter and a few others for over five years.

Gertie always enjoyed family gatherings in Montana and Boise and will be remembered for the fun and laughter she brought to these occasions. She had a humorous wit and she would have a quick come-back before you knew what hit you. 

She loved going out to eat with her daughters (the Golden Girls) and taking in other fun things to do while in Boise. She lived a very healthy, active life up until the last couple years.

She enjoyed traveling with her friends; she went to Australia, New Zealand, and the Northeastern U.S. to see the fall foliage. She visited several states to see her family. 

She also went to MX with her daughters for her 80th birthday where she went four-wheeling in the desert (she joked we were trying to hasten her demise but we all laughed through it)!

Gertrude and Walter had a loving marriage. It was a major tragedy in her life in 1979 when Walter passed away as the result of a traffic accident. She was supported by her family and friends throughout this difficult time. 

She eventually moved to Boise, ID to be closer to her daughters, but her Montana roots never left her.

Gertrude is survived by her children, Karen Harris, Teresa Mattson, Jeanette Genaro and David (Peggy) Freshour; and grandchildren Shane, Bonnie, Michelle and Mark Harris, Marty and Todd Schliep, and Randy Freshour. She had 17 great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.  

She was predeceased by her parents, her siblings, her husband, Walter, and sons-in-laws Tom Harris, Walter Mattson and William Genaro.

A Boise family memorial service was held on Dec. 23, 2024. Tributes may be left at cloverdalefuneralhome.com. Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice.  Gertrude always supported St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, interment will take place at 1 p.m. at Pleasant View Cemetery next to her husband. A celebration of her life will follow at 2 p.m. at Ninepipes Lodge, 69286 US 93 S, Charlo, MT. All family and friends are most welcome.