Maybelle "May" Elizabeth (Slonaker) Gertson

Chinook, MT

Maybelle "May" Elizabeth (Slonaker) Gertson, 83, died peacefully on Sunday, June 19, 2016, at the Sweet Home in Chinook. May was born in Chinook on November 12, 1932, the eighth child of George Elmer and Bessie Slonaker.

Raised on the homestead north of Zurich and later in Paradise Valley, May attended elementary school at Zurich and graduated a proud member of Chinook High School's class of 1949. In January of 1951, she married John R. Rusch, and they had three children. May was married to Walter Gertson for nine years, and they had one daughter.

Over the years, May had many different jobs, including retail sales, food service, and child care. She especially enjoyed the time she spent serving in the Jesuit House at Gonzaga University, where she made many friends. Later in her life, May worked in the Meadowlark and Chinook High School libraries; she loved all the students, many of whom called her "Grandma May."

Although she faced many challenges in her life, May retained her strong faith in God and purposed to find joy in spite of her circumstances and illnesses. May was a loving person who never met a stranger; she was kind to and accepting of everyone she met. One of the ways she demonstrated her love for people was through prayer. A faithful prayer warrior, May's prayer list was extensive, and she was especially faithful to pray for those who were travelling. If she promised to pray for you, you could be sure she did.

May loved her family fiercely and was proud of all her "grands." She made a point to attend their many concerts, plays, and sporting events. When she couldn't be in the stands, May listened to Sugarbeeter sports on KRYK. She was also an avid fan of Griz football. She loved music, movies, traveling, playing cards and board games, riding motorcycles, watching "Dancing with the Stars," and spending time with her family and friends. She also loved Facebook and frequently commented on and liked the posts and pictures of her friends and relatives.

A gifted artist, May dabbled in oil painting and made beautiful ceramic figurines. In addition to crocheting and sewing, she taught herself to knit while living in Alaska and made several knitted jackets with intricate designs. She made jewelry, doll houses complete with furnishings, and entertained her grandchildren by making crafts with them. Grandma May was just a lot of fun.

May's desire was for her family and friends to live life to the fullest. In the words of one of her favorite songs, "If you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance."

May was preceded in death by her parents, George and Bessie Slonaker, and her siblings and their spouses, Fred (Agnes) Slonaker, Don (Mildred) Slonaker, Margaret (Cliff) Pridgeon, Les Slonaker, Leland "Fat" (Eva) Slonaker, Eleanor Blevins, Olive (Dale) Sheppard, and by an infant daughter. Her brother-in-law, Lee Blevins, died on June 23, 2016.

She is survived by her children, Nancy (Brent) Schellin and Alana (John) Blankenship of Chinook, John (Valerie) Rusch, of Everett, Washington, and Peggy (Ken) Sammons of Spokane, Washington, as well as her 18 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Her 29th great-grandchild is due in July, and she was looking forward to welcoming three great-great grandchildren this summer and early fall. May is also survived by her sister-in-law, Inez Slonaker of Great Falls, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at the Chinook Alliance Church on Monday, July 18th at 10:00 a.m. At her request, May's ashes will be spread near the Slonaker homestead in north Blaine County. Memorials can be made to the Activities Department at Sweet Home, PO Box 1149, Chinook, Montana 59523, or to a charity of the giver's choice.

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