Gertrude Ellen Rea

Gertrude E. Rea, 85, of St. Joseph, MI passed away Thursday, September 19, 2019 at home. A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph. Memorial contributions may be made to Caring Circle Hospice or the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence for the family may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Gertrude was born on July 28, 1934 in Pickford, MI to John Lorne & Josephine (Hancock) Steele. She was a graduate of Pickford High School. On January 5, 1957 she wed Albert Rea in Pickford. Gertrude worked for the United States Postal Service in St. Joseph as a clerk for 27 years before retiring. In her spare time, she enjoyed going for rides, spending time with family and traveling. She is survived by her children, Penny (Daniel) Strine of St. Joseph, Kenneth Rea of New Buffalo, Randy (Donna) Rea of St. Joseph and Debra Rea of St. Joseph; grandchildren Kevin, Keith, Matt, Sherrie & Vanessa; nine great-grandchildren; brother John Steele and sister Edith (Bernard) McLeod and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister Alvina Tasma and brothers Donald Steele and Luther Steele.