Obituary of Gertrude T. Smith

Gertrude T. Smith passed peacefully and finally pain-free in the comfort of her own home, enveloped in the love of family on February 16, 2023. Born to Henry Seibert and Gertrude [Lampe] Seibert in Newport, KY, Gertrude just celebrated her 93rd birthday on January 20th. Gertrude was Henry and her mother’s only daughter and sister to six brothers. Gertrude’s time here on earth may have been borrowed, but she spent every moment, including her final ones, exactly how she wanted. Her family wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Gertrude was a numbers person. She was a mental math whiz. She adored games of all kinds, but especially loved cards and bingo. She organized euchre tournaments for the Walton and Independence Senior Centers. She was a member of St. Cecilia Roman Catholic Church of Independence and served as Past President of the Primetimers. In addition she was involved with St. Ann’s Auxiliary/Knights of St. John. She was also Past President of VFW Post 6099 of Union, KY. 

Gertrude met Paul Smith and was engaged in 1947 and married in 1948. They were married 57 years and raised their family in Atwood, KY on their farm. She and Paul raised tobacco and cattle.  As Paul’s health began to fail, she was his sole caretaker. She willingly and lovingly shouldered her duties as a “farmerette,” mother and wife. She was determined and strong. One of the lasting legacies Gertrude’s children say they possess because of her and their dad is their indomitable work ethic.

Those left behind to carry on Gert’s love, bright and vibrant light and her wicked sense of humor are her children Paula Duncan, Susan Dieckmann (Ray), Bill Smith (Ginny), Tim Smith (Joel Isgrig), and her seven grandchildren, Chris Baker, Lisa [Smith] Naïve (Nathan), Aimee [Baker] Nienaber, Billy Smith (Beth), Jason Smith, Haley Smith, and Ashley [Dieckmann] Kuchle (Luke), and seven great-grandchildren; Cash Nienaber, Tysen Nienaber, Kira Smith, Reagan Naïve, Leah Smith, Rhett Nienaber, and Emma Smith; sister-in-law Pam Seibert along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband Paul Smith; her parents and stepmom Alma Seibert; and all six of her brothers: Henry Seibert, Jack Seibert, Gene Seibert, Richard Seibert, Joseph Seibert, and Donald Seibert.

Gertrude was always the life of the party. Will you join us to celebrate her? A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051. The family will receive guests from 3:00PM – 5:00PM. Directly following this gathering time there will also be a short prayer service. Guests are invited to continue sharing stories and memories of this special spitfire of a lady over dinner. A reception will be held from 6:00PM – 8:00PM also at the funeral home. In accordance with her wishes, Gertrude will be cremated in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in person at services or online to the Smith Genetics Family Scholarship Fund For Youth established in 2022. To share a memory or photo of Gertrude or to offer an online condolence, please visit the corresponding tabs on this page.