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Note: N307 Gertrude was the oldest daughter of Charles and Jenny Nauta.
She was the pianist for the Tech Choir and began playing the organ at church at 13. She had trouble reaching the pedals of the organ because she was so short and young.
Her best friend was Lulu Russell, daughter of Harry Russell, uncle of John T. (and the rest is history and why Roberta and John Charles are part of this family tree)
She worked at Tech HS in the library with her sister Jeannette. I’m sure “quiet” didn’t apply when these two sisters worked together.
Christian Park Reformed Church was a big part of her life.
Gertrude always wanted to be a music teacher and had been given a small scholarship to the now Indiana Central but because she graduated just as the depression hit (1929) she had to find work in order to help support the family.
When Jenny became ill, Gertrude provided nurturing and housekeeping for the younger two, Frank and Jeannette.
Gertrude kept in touch with relatives in Holland; visited their twice with John T. and once with Roberta. She also kept in touch with Canadian Dutch relative, George Bouma.
Gertrude wanted to live to see the 21st century and that she did, dying in 2001.
Written by Robert Russell Ponis, May 2012
GERTRUDE M. NAUTA Russell
April 16, 2001
GERTRUDE M. NAUTA Russell, 90, Indianapolis, died April 14. She was a library assistant 19 years for Tech High School, retiring in 1976. Services: 10 a.m. April 18 in Christian Park Reformed Church, of which she was a member and organist for more than 50 years. Calling: 4 to 8p.m. April 17 in Shirley Brothers Irving Hill Chapel, and from 9 a.m. April 18 at the church. Burial: Washington Park East Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church. She was the widow of John T. Russell.
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