Gertrude "Mary" Yenger (Reker)

Beloved mother and grandmother, Gertrude "Mary" Yenger (Reker) age 88 died peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2015, in Dayton, Ohio. She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Yenger; son Robert D. Yenger; parents Henry and Theresa Reker; and brothers Harry Reker, and Johnny Reker.

Mary was born in Paderborn, Germany, on June 5, 1927. She immigrated to the United States in February 1930 with her parents, Henry and Theresa Reker, and her two older brothers, Harry and Johnny. Her Father was a baker in Germany, and then managed real estate in Dayton, OH. Mary never missed one day of school during her eighth grade year, and went on to attend Julienne High School. After high school, Mary met the love of her life, Bob, through his sister Phyllis, and he proposed marriage before he shipped out with the Navy during WWII. Even after Bob returned from the Pacific, Mary insisted the he be gainfully employed before marriage; and so, after he became an EMT with the Dayton Fire Department, she happily accepted his proposal. Mary and Bob were wed on August 12, 1950, and enjoyed 50-plus years of marriage. Together, they raised two sons, Robert and Raymond, and one daughter, Deborah. Mary was welcomed into Bob's large extended family, and over the years was known for bringing homemade cherry pies and her famous nut cake to numerous family gatherings, many of which were held at Greenmont Park. Mary was an avid Bingo and card player, and she and Bob loved to dance--especially at dances held at the VFW. Even though Mary held very high standards for herself in both her fashionable dress and decorum, she was genuinely kind and generous to everyone, had an infectious laugh, and held a special place in her heart for animals of every sort.

Mary is survived by her son Raymond Yenger; daughter Deborah and son-in-law Gary Richardson; five grandchildren: Dawn (Robert) Kelley, Jacob (Jennifer) Richardson, Robert (Natalie) Bobbitt, David Bobbitt, and Samantha Yenger-Cremean; plus ten great-grandchildren: Patrick, Allison, and Lauren; Taylee, Trinity, Talia, and Hayden; Madeline Rose; Robert and Alex; and many friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home (3940 Kettering Blvd, Kettering, Ohio 45439). Visitation will be from 11:00 am until time of service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions in the Memory of Mary Yenger can be made to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org