Gertrude Medford

Gertrude (Rismiller) Medford was born December 26, 1919, on the family farm in Darke County, Ohio, as the 6th of 9 children. During WW II, she worked at Frigidaire in Dayton. After the war, she married her longtime sweetheart and veteran, Forrest Medford, and they had two children, Dale and Robert. For many years, she put her impeccable sewing skills to work as a seamstress at J.C. Penney, specializing in bridal gowns. Gertrude maintained an active life well into her 90s. Her interests included bike riding, square dancing, playing cards, quilting, gardening, travel, volunteering, and using her J.C. Penney retiree discount! Gertrude was a spirited and loving wife, mother, family member, and friend. She was also a devoted child of God and an active member at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church for many years. She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Forrest and her parents, Herman and Anna Bertha (Froebe) Rismiller. Gertrude is survived by her sons, Dale (Karen) Medford and Robert (Barb) Medford; grandchildren, Bethany (Bill) Frick, Kristina (John) Rossi, Jacob Medford and Laurie Medford; great grandchildren, Katie and Charlie Frick; as well as numerous other family and friends. A funeral service will be held at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 5550 Munger Rd., Dayton, OH 45459 on Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 1:30 pm. Burial will follow at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery, North Star, OH. Family will receive friends Tuesday, June 21 from 5-7:00 pm at Zion Lutheran Church; with additional visitation one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or Graceworks Lutheran Services, 6430 Inner Mission Way, Dayton, OH 45459.