Gertrude Ellen (Keck) Seifert, 82, born April 9, 1921 in Waterloo, IA died of complications from a blood infection on October 14, 2003, in Charlotte, NC. Known as Grandma to everyone, Gertrude was a true example of Christian faith and love. Daughter of Loren C. and Gertrude Darland, she was given in adoption to her aunt and uncle, Bernice and Howard Allgood, six months after her mother died in childbirth. Starting life on a farm in Iowa, she then moved to Aurora, Il where she met and married Dean Keck and had a daughter, Deanette. The little family later moved to Clarksdale, MS, in the late 50's. After Dean's death in 1981, she later married Russell Seifert. They lived in Aurora for several years, and then moved to Avon Park, FL. Russ died of cancer in 1995, at which time Gertrude moved to Monroe, NC to be with Deanette and her family. A devoted Seventh Day Adventist, she helped plant two churches, one in Clarksdale and one in Monroe. Besides her devotion to family and church, her hobbies were playing golf and cards, walking, and talking to friends and strangers, and most of all spending time with God. Gertrude was a beautiful person and everyone who knew her was completely devoted to her.
    She is survived by her daughter, Deanette (Tom) Mills; three step-children, Pat (Gene) Carpentier, Kathie (Terry) Mulligan, Paul (Marge) Seifert; one sister, Shirley Wingate; two granddaughters, Beth (Tam) Adams and Becky (Bobby) Carpenter; seven step-grandchildren, Mike (Lori) Carpentier, Dan (Marcie) Carpentier, Karyn (Joe) Bosse, Susie (Chris) Mabrey, Beckie (Erich) Schlachta, Brent Seifert, and Brenda Seifert; and nine step-great-grandchildren.
    Services will be held on Saturday, October 18 at 3:00 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Mooseheart and Randall Roads, North Aurora. Visitors will be welcomed prior to the services at 2:00 p.m., also at the Seventh Day Adventist Church. Memorials can be made to the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Monroe, NC Building Fund. Interment will be at Miller Cemetery in Hinckley, IL.
    Arrangements were handled by the Healy Chapel, 332 W. Downer Pl., Aurora for further information call 897-9291 or visit our website at www.healychapel.com