Gertrude Alice Johnson

To live stream Gertrude's graveside service, click the "Tribute Wall" tab above and then click watch now on the "Live Webcast". Gertrude A. Johnson, age 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 20 in her home with her children by her side. She had suffered a long illness. Gertrude was born in Des Moines in October 1931 to Carroll and Catherine Sellers Crumb. She was a graduate of East High School and the Crescent School of Beauty Culture. In 1950, she married Kenneth “Ken” Johnson, a chef and culinary arts instructor. Their union lasted for 47 years until Ken’s death in 1997 and bore two daughters, Sharmon and Kathy. Gertrude worked in a variety of jobs, including cosmetologist and floral designer, until she found her true passion in working with young children. After 25 years as a teacher’s associate, she retired from the Des Moines Public School System. She briefly came out of retirement in her late ‘70’s to work with elementary school students in the Children & Families of Iowa Educational Tutoring Service program. She enjoyed road-tripping with her husband and visited all but two of the contiguous United States. She also traveled to Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. Artistic by nature, Gertrude also enjoyed crafting and was notorious for her beautiful gift bows. Up until last year, she enjoyed her monthly outings with her Birthday Group of more than 30 years. She will be lovingly remembered for her tremendous will, her feisty spirit, her kindness, and her love for life and her family. She leaves behind her daughters, Sharmon and Kathy Johnson, and a host of nieces and nephews. Gertrude is predeceased by her husband; her parents; her sisters Minnie Johnson and Carroll Stovall; and her brother, James Crumb. A visitation will be held at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home in Urbandale on Thursday, September 24 from 5-7pm and a graveside service will be held at Glendale Cemetery at 11am on Friday, September 25. A memorial celebration will be held at a later date. Her family would like to thank the teams at UnityPoint at Home and UnityPoint Hospice for their kind and attentive care for Gertrude over the past four years. In her memory, please consider making a donation to UnityPoint Hospice of Des Moines or Children & Families of Iowa.