Gertrude Christine Yearian, formerly of Cutler

Gertrude Christine Yearian, 96, of Dixon, passed away Saturday, May 15, 2021, at her home while surrounded by her family.

She worked for the Dixon Developmental Center for 20 years. She then worked at North Court for Kreider Services and then as a grandparent at the ABC preschool in Dixon.

Gertrude was born Feb. 4, 1925, at home on the family farm in Cutler, Illinois, the daughter of William and Margretha (Wittenborn) Doeding.

She married Willard Yearian on April 6, 1947, in Steeleville, Illinois, and to this union six children were born.

Willard preceded her in death on March 21, 2004.

Gertrude was a devout Christian and an active charter member of Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Dixon. Her main interest lay in raising and enjoying her family. She also enjoyed, and was well known for, making unique homemade glazed doughnuts and cinnamon rolls. For more than 45 years it was a tradition for Gertrude to pass out her doughnuts to the neighborhood at Halloween, earning her the title "the Donut Lady."

She is survived by five children, Thelma Turek of Dixon, Mary (Bert) Bendickson of Dixon, Bruce Yearian of Dixon, Robert (Vickie) Yearian of Sidney, Iowa and Debora (Brian) Lewin of Norfolk, Nebraska; 15 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren; and one brother, Delbert (Delores) Doeding of Hayden, Idaho.

Besides her husband, Gertrude was preceded in death by a daughter, Bette Ann Yearian.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 20, 2021, at the Preston-Schilling Funeral Home Ltd. in Dixon.

Visitation will continue from 9 a.m. until the 10:30 a.m. funeral service on Friday, May 21, 2021, at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church in Dixon. The Rev. David Andermann will officiate. Burial will follow at Emmert Cemetery in Nachusa, Illinois.

Memorials may be directed to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2036 Illinois Route 26, Dixon, IL 61021.

Arrangements were completed by Preston-Schilling Funeral Home in Dixon.

Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com or mailed to Gertrude's family at 1010 Highland Ave., Dixon, IL 61021.