Gertrude Chamberlain

Gertrude Chamberlain

Funeral services for Gertrude Chamberlain, 91, were May 7, 1998, at the Congregational Church in Lusk with Rev. Don Chanslor officiating. Burial followed in the Lusk Cemetery.

Mrs. Chamberlain died Sunday, May 3, 1998 at the Niobrara County Nursing Home in Lusk. She was born March 9, 1907, the first Wyoming-born child of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Ord. She spent her early childhood in Lusk and on the family ranch near Rawhide Buttes. While she was still in grade school, the family moved to Omaha, Nebraska. Gertrude graduated from Omaha Central High School and received an A. B. degree from the University of Nebraska with a major in English and Latin and a minor in history and dramatics. Following graduation, she taught several years in the high school at Mitchell, Nebr. and later in the Lusk High School. In December of 1935, Gertrude married Roy Chamberlain. From 1936 to 1958, Roy and Gertrude owned and operated the Ranger Hotel in Lusk. They were gracious hosts at the Ranger and often entertained the leaders of the state. Their coffee shop was recommended by Duncan Hines. Gertrude became interested in politics when Roy was in the state senate. She accompanied him to Cheyenne for each of the senate sessions. In 1955, Gertrude was elected Vice President of the Wyoming Federation of Republican Women and served as president from 1956 to 1960. She traveled over the state, organizing clubs in every county and often campaigning. She was State Committee Woman from 1960 to 1978. She was a delegate to the National Republican Convention in San Francisco in 1956. Gertrude and Roy were later invited to attend a meeting at President Eisenhower's Gettysburg farm and here she had the honor of escorting the president to the podium. While Roy was a member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Wyoming, they made frequent trips to Laramie and gave generously to the scholarship program. Roy died in 1979 but Gertrude continued to promote Roy's project of Free Enterprise at the university. Many students have received the benefit of Roy and Gertrude's generosity at the university as well as other schools. Gertrude was not blessed with children of her own, but was much beloved by her nieces and nephews.

Gertrude was active in the Congregational Church of Lusk and contributed generously to the building fund for the Fellowship Hall. Gertrude and Roy traveled extensively in the United States, Canada, Mexico, England, Scotland, Europe and the Middle East. After Roy's death, Gertrude served for a number of years as Director of the Lusk State Bank. She was a past president of the Lusk Women's Club as well as a Past President of Chapter I of the P. E. O. Sisterhood. Gertrude was an enthusiastic leader in her community and in her state. She was never happier than when able to spend time entertaining and helping her friends.

Her family and friends regret that for the past few years, because of ill health, she was not able to participate in the causes so dear to her heart.

Survivors include her sister, Jeanette Ord Sager and her nephews, George Darrow, Robert O. Darrow and Harry C. Sager.

Memorials are to the Congregational Church in Lusk.

Bader Funeral Home of Lusk was in charge of arrangements.

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