Gertrude Lenore Deppenschmidt, born 1922, left us peacefully on Nov. 29, aged 92.
Born in Covington, OH to Charles and Ethel Ross, she joins her siblings Charles Jr. and Mary Ellen, leaving behind her brother Richard of Colorado.
“Gertie” graduated from West Carrollton HS in 1940 where she played softball and trombone for the school band. While dancing with friends in Dayton, Gertie caught the eye of band leader William “Buddy Williams” Deppenschmidt, her future husband of 53 years.
Moving to Philadelphia, then settling in New Hope, they opened “Buddy Williams Drive-In” in Lambertville, NJ in 1952 — a local landmark from which they retired in 1980 after 28 years. When not keeping peace at the restaurant, Gertie enjoyed family and friends, her bowling league, deep sea fishing in the off-season, and supporting her husband’s professional music career.
Later years were spent in the company of family, attending yearly reunions back in Ohio, rooting for the Phillies, watching the area change, and reminiscing. Her gentle spirit, encouragement and simple kindness will be greatly missed by her 5 children: Charles and wife Gail of Levittown, Philip and wife Evelyn of Centerville, OH, Theresa and husband Jim Voorhees of Las Vegas, NV and Karl and Kurt of Doylestown; plus stepson William”Buddy” Deppenschmidt of Ottsville, and 11 grandchildren, 17 great
grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, and many friends.
A memorial for Gertie will be held at noon Saturday, Jan. 3 at Old Rocks Church, 260 Mt. Airy-Harbourton Road, in Mt. Airy, NJ.
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