Gertrude Davenport (Gertie, Trudy) was called home by our Lord on September 12, 2017 at The Garden on Orchard Ridge in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Her memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at 10:30 am MDT at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Leipzig, ND.

Gertie was born on a homestead north of New Leipzig, ND in Grant County on February 4, 1927 to Mary (Brodehl) and Micheal Sprecher. She attended rural schools until graduating from the 8th grade. On November 13, 1948 she married Kenneth Roy Davenport in Wibaux, MT.; over the years four children were added to the family and for the next 40 years they continued to live in ND. On February 2, 1989 Kenneth passed away.

As we reflect on her life, we realize what an adventurous woman Gertrude was, first of all she put up with and joined in on Kenneth's many career changes often being left alone to raise four children while he was out of town working. Secondly, she always made sure there were vacations planned to new places all over the world. At the age of 65, she went to work in Yellowstone National Park as a hostess at a cafeteria and enjoyed it so much she went back every summer for several years. Unbeknownst to her children, she identified herself as Trudy to her coworkers. From this adventure she made friends who would join her in her travels nationally and internationally. At the age of 70, Gertie and her friend Bobbi traveled to Alaska and back in Bobbi's pull type camper on the AlCan Highway. After living for over 70 years in North Dakota she sold her house in New Leipzig and moved to Coeur d'Alene, ID. In 2013 she moved to Coeur d'Alene Homes Assisted Living where she again identified herself as Trudy. I guess she felt you are never too old to reinvent yourself.

Other than love of family, travel was Gertie's greatest love. She tried many things such as painting and ceramics, read intently, gardened, decorated, and was a great cook and baker but, travel or talk of traveling to new places made her light up and smile. Not even dementia could curb her enthusiasm for travel. I believe the travel gene has been passed on to some of her children, grandchildren, and even her great grandchildren.

Surviving Gertie are her daughters Donna Grabenstein of Coeur d'Alene, ID and Judy VanLishout (Gene) of Mandan, ND, her son Patrick Davenport (JoDee) of Bismarck, ND, and her sons-in-law Daniel Breeden and Michael Grabenstein of Coeur d'Alene, ID, seven grandchildren, Sarah, Christa (Jamie), Joel (Casey), Jason (Nikki), Jen (Trent), Lee, and Brian (Laura), and six great grandchildren, Sydney, Dakota, Solen, Eli, Hattie, Quinn and number six is on the way. Also surviving her is one sister Eleanor Hoerner (Larry) of Spokane, WA, sisters-in-law Erna Sprecher of Spokane, WA and Bernice Marquardt of Edmonds, WA, and many nieces and nephews.

Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband Kenneth; her daughter Cheryl Davenport Breeden; brothers Edwin, Ernest, and Elmer; sisters Freda, Delia, and Esther; half-brother Jake; and half-sisters Emma, Pauline, Mary, and Ida.
In lieu of flowers the family wishes that memorials be donated to the hurricane victims of Harvey and Irma or your favorite charitable organization.