Gertrude Salmans

Gertrude Elizabeth Salmans died May 4, 2010. Her granddaughter, Tara Chess, was caring for her at her home in Yreka. Gertie was born February 4, 1920 in North Carolina, the youngest of four children born to Charles and Florabell Clymer, all of whom preceded her in death.. The family later settled in Southern Oregon where she lived most of her life. At age 17, she married John Wheeler, the father of her three children. Widowed, Gertie moved to Yreka in 2003 to be near her son, Dr. Daryl Wheeler and daughter-in-law, Carol, as well as other family members, including grandchildren Darla and Dr. Steve Kolpacoff, Dawn and Stephen Yagielowiez and Dr. Trevor and Leora Ragan. Her other children are Gayle and William Stains of Carmichael, Calif. and Carolyn LaVine of Spokane, Wash. A stepson, Russel Salmans, preceded her in death. His widow, Barbara, and son reside in Glendale, Ore. Gertie has 10 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Her children gave her a wonderful 90th birthday party with good food, flowers, tributes by her grandchildren and a slide show incorporating pictures from much of her long and busy life. She could usually be found wherever the fun and games were. Her party was attended by her many friends, family and most of her immediate family, some from as far away as Eastern Washington state and Texas. She was a lifelong member of the Seventh day Adventist Church and a regular at her weekly prayer group, often hosting. Her apple pies are legendary. Gertie was a business woman, owning and operating Vogue Beauty Salon in Medford for over 30 years. In retirement she kept busy with travel, artistic hobbies and hairstyling almost to the end of her life. While living in Medford, neighbors were startled to see her on a ladder, painting the exterior of her house! She accomplished that almost entirely by herself as her husband, Vernon Salmons, was very ill. Vern passed away in 1990. Gertie’s friends and her family will miss her so much. Though she was a small person, she leaves a very large empty place in all of our hearts. We know, however, that we will see her again - close to her Lord Jesus, with whom she kept in daily contact. A memorial service is planned for May 29th at the Yreka Seventh day Adventist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to help support the SDA School, 346 Payne Lane, Yreka, CA 96097. Girdner Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Gertrude Salmans

February 4, 1920 - May 4, 2010