Gertrude (Gertie) Foote, 99, of Carlisle, passed away peacefully to her eternal home on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at Thornwald Home in Carlisle.  She was born December 23, 1924, in Carlisle and was a daughter of the late Howard and Elsie Mae (Lear) Deitch and the widow of Ralph "Ben" Foote who passed away in 1974.

Gertie was a life-long member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Carlisle and was a member of the Missionary Society and the Adult Sunday School Class. She graduated from Carlisle High School with the class of 1943.  While in high school, she began employment at Georges' Flowers, where she remained for 67 years as a floral designer, making hundreds of corsages and boutonnieres over the years for proms, weddings, and many other special events.  During her time at Georges', she met and married the love of her life, Ben.  Together they enjoyed a passion for gardening, growing every vegetable imaginable in their massive garden, canning and freezing all that they grew.  Both Gertie and Ben knew the meaning of hard work and instilled a strong work ethic in their son.  She was an accomplished seamstress, making her own clothes, and she also enjoyed dancing, excelling at the polka.  She traveled extensively with her husband, visiting a majority of the states.  In her later years, she looked forward to fellowship with her friends at the Salvation Army Senior Action Center.  On Palm Sundays, she would always weave palm leaves into crosses for her grandsons.  Her smile would light up the room when viewing photos of her great-grandsons.  She was one who never complained, was never boastful, and will always be remembered for her sweet and gentle nature.

She is survived by one son Larry E. Foote, Sr. and his wife Sandy of Carlisle, two grandsons, Shaun Foote and his wife Rebecca of Carlisle and Larry E. Foote, Jr. and his wife Sara of Nashville, TN, two great-grandsons, Grayson Foote of Carlisle and Levi Foote of Nashville and many nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by four brothers, Floyd, Paul, Wilbur, and Lester Deitch and five sisters, Ella Nailor, Romaine Weary, Marie Wickard, Sara Reese, and Esther Lebo.

The family is grateful to the many staff members at Thornwald Home for their loving and compassionate care.

A private burial will be held in the LeTort Cemetery, Middlesex Township with the Reverend Lisa Leber officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army Senior Action Center, 20 E. Pomfret Street, Carlisle, PA 17013 or to First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 21 S. Bedford Street, Carlisle.  www.EwingBrothers.com.