Gertrude Westrom

Gertrude D. (Beam) Westrom, 87, of Dowagiac, passed peacefully into God’s arms on Wednesday morning, May 4, 2016 at the Timbers of Cass County in Dowagiac. A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Clark Chapel & Cremation Services, 405 Center Street, Dowagiac with Pastor Kurt Reich of South Wayne Community Church officiating. Family and friends will gather to remember her life prior to her service from noon to 2:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest at South Wayne Cemetery. Memorials in her name may be directed to the Cass County Council on Aging/Alzheimer’s or South Wayne Community Church, Dowagiac. Those wishing to share a memory or leave a condolence of Gertrude online may do so at www.clarkch.com. Gertrude was born April 7, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois to Clarence and Ella Mae (Webb) Beam. Gertie’s mission in life was to spread the gospel.  She was a member of the Rainbow Girls and enjoyed volunteering for Girl Scout functions and other like organizations. She worked for many years as a bookkeeper. Gertrude’s work here is done and she has gone to take her place in Heaven.  Gertie’s late husband, Edward Westrom, and sons Douglas and Dwight as well as a grandson, Scott Westrom and a brother, Clarence Beam, preceded her in death. Her surviving children include George Schaults, Kenneth (Effie) Westrom, Sherri (Michael) Kirincich and Annette (Ron) Ronning. She also leaves behind one sister, Nancy Naddy of Portage, IN as well as seven grandchildren and twelve great children. They all will cherish her memory.