Gertrude L. Fairchild age 90 of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at Altercare of Big Rapids. She was born on July 14, 1922 in Chouteau, MT to Clarence and Mildred (Edwards) Allum. Gertrude married Donald Fairchild on April 8, 1939 in Fort Benton, Montana. The family farmed in Ashlot Bench, MT until Ty needed special surgery. They then resided in Great Falls, MT moving to Big Rapids, MI when her health began to decline in 2002. Gertrude was an avid flower gardener, gardener and enjoyed canning, knitting and crocheting. Gertrude is survived by four sons, Tyrone "Ty" Fairchild of Great Falls, MT, Bernard (Annette) Fairchild of Redmond, OR, Dan Fairchild of Washington and Arthur (Yu) Fairchild of Big Rapids; one half brother, Arthur "Bud" Gruenhagen of Great Falls, MT; 9 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great- grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Gertrude was preceded in death by her parents, one infant son Donald Jr., son Lyle Fairchild, husband Donald Fairchild, one sister Lucy Powell and many half brothers and sisters. A funeral service for Gertrude will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with branch President Lee Lewis officiating. The family will greet friends on Saturday two hours prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church. Memorial donations can be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or the Alzheimer's Association.