Gertrude Elaine Pettit (Kimes)

Gertrude Elaine Pettit (Kimes)

October 23, 1949 – September 7, 2021

Gertrude Elaine Pettit (Kimes) was called to join the heavenly host of angels at 7:25 p.m. on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease and pneumonia complications. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Gertrude lived her entire life in The Circle City. Three words that best describe her are humble, generous, and loving. She is remembered best for her love of children and for viewing the world through rose-colored glasses (a sensitivity to light made her wear sunglasses day or night).

One of 12 children, Gertrude sold flowers downtown as a little girl with her sisters to help make ends meet for her large family. She developed a lifelong appreciation for flowers, with sunflowers, marigolds, mums, and geraniums among her favorites. She was also a landscaping and gardening enthusiast, with tomatoes, cucumbers, wild strawberries, and mint leaves grown in her backyard. Gertrude enjoyed bingo, Yahtzee, studying numerology, playing acoustic guitar, family outings to the flower gardens at Garfield Park, the occasional hot fudge Coke from Lindner’s or DQ, and babysitting her grandchildren.

A devoted Judeo-Christian, Gertrude was known for giving away Bibles and mixed cassettes featuring her favorite Christian and rock music to friends and family. As an avid reader of the scriptures, she studied Hebrew and Greek at Marian University to better understand the word of the Lord. Gertrude also took several computer courses at Ivy Technical Community College and was renowned for having state-of-the-art recording equipment to record movies and music at her home.

Gertrude is preceded in death by her parents, four siblings, son Roscoe, and grandson Ross. She is survived by her two daughters (Sarahrina and Chrissy), six grandchildren (Kimberly, Matthew, Nikki, Tyler, Jewelie, and Tiffany), four great-grandchildren (Jalen, Jenessa, Jaxston, and Tabitha), seven siblings, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Visitation will take place from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, September 17, 2021.

Flowers and donations may be sent to Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services, 1604 W. Morris St., Indianapolis, IN 46221.