Gertrude Thomas was born January 22, 1937, in Tahoka, Texas, to Harry and Alice Thomas.  She grew up in Kingston, New Mexico, where she attended schools.

Gertrude was united in marriage to Ralph Kroetch on March 26, 1955, in Philip, where they lived.  They moved to Avon for three years before returing to Philip.

She was employed by various cafes in Philip.  Gertrude was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Evening Guild and was a catechism director.

Survivors include her husband, Ralph, of Philip; two sons, Ralph Kroetch Jr. and Neal Kroetch of Philip; two daughters, Karen Kroetch and Vallery Kroetch of Philip; two brothers, William Thomas of Amarillo, Texas, and Harry Thomas Jr. of Beeville, Texas; three sisters, Joan Cutsinger of Amarillo, Texas, Jean Crum of Dallas, Texas, and Alice Rice of Albuquerque, New Mexico; two grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

A memorial has been established.

Visitation and Rosary Service
Thursday, August 10, 1984
7:00 p.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

Funeral Services
Friday, August 11, 1984
10:00 a.m.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Philip, South Dakota

Officiating
Reverend Christopher Scadron

Interment
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota