Gertrude Eloise Scott Hysell, 91

Gertrude Eloise Scott Hysell. diminutive in stature, but a tower of strength to all who knew her, Gertrude Eloise Hysell peacefully and triumphantly left this world for her final rest and reward on Tuesday, January 14th, 2014. She was 91 years young.

Born on September 17, 1922, as Gertrude Eloise Scott, she was the youngest of 9 children born to Elza and Ether Scott from Cheshire, Ohio.

Gertrude was happily married to Harry Tom Hysell from Addison, Ohio, on September 17, 1946. He also preceded her in his final reward on June 25, 1993. They were married 47 years.

All of her brothers and sisters have all preceded her in going to Heaven.

The Scott Family has a strong Christian faith in Jesus Christ, with the promise that whosoever believes in me (Jesus), shall not perish, but will have everlasting life” .

Awaiting Gertrude in Heaven are Vaughn Scott, Wesley Scott, William Scott, Paul Scott, Vale Scott Swisher, Marguerite Scott Kail, Grace Scott Porter, and Dorothy Scott Roush.

Gertrude is also survived by her two sons, Dr. William H. Hysell and former wife Marilyn, of Arlington, Texas, and Coach Thomas S. Hysell and wife Debbie of Coconut Creek, Florida.

Gertrude has four grandchildren, Scott Hysell, Brittany Hysell Ulrich, Elizabeth Hysell and Lydia Hysell. She also celebrated the recent birth of her first great-grandson, Parker Cole Hysell.

Gertrude is blessed to have several nieces and nephews, cousins, other family members and close friends, church members, neighbors, and co-workers. She was loved by all who knew her, and she never had an enemy.

Mom graduated from Cheshire High School in 1940. She was the first from her family to go to college, and she graduated from The Holzer Hospital School of Nursing as an RN in 1943.

She served as a U.S. Army Corp. Nurse Officer, First Lt., during WWII, and she spent her time caring for U.S., British and German soldiers in a military hospital in Hertfordshire, just outside London, England. At her passing, Gert was the oldest living female WWII veteran living in Gallia County. She is also a charter member of “Women in Military Service for America” in Washington, DC, where her picture is placed near the Arlington MemoriaI.

After returning from the war, Mom began her career by accepting a position at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, as a charge nurse on OB.

After relocating back to Addison in 1952, Mom and Dad purchased their home on 328 Honeysuckle Drive. She went back to Holzer Hospital, where she served as the Supervisor of OB until her retirement in 1986. Gert’s strong hands delivered many babies into this world, yet she also brought comfort to others in times of grief. When she was asked why she had chosen to become a nurse, her reply was, “whenever I was caring for my patients, I felt like I was caring for The Lord.” Her picture is the only nurse placed on the wall of the 4th floor next to the founding Doctors of that unit.

Mom is a member of Cheshire Baptist Church, where she joyfully served as the church pianist, organist and Trustee for many decades. She began playing piano at the age of 14 years old at the Old Kyger Church, and was always active as the church pianist until she turned 90 years old.

Gert shared her love for music, teaching many to follow in her footsteps.

Mom valued the family and friendships she made over the years, and she was blessed by her many wonderful neighbors.

Today, Mom leaves this earth, but her light still shines bright in the smiles of all who knew her. The expression, “Give Me Grace” was her trademark, along with the infamous “brown word”.

Known by Mom, Gram, Aunt Gert, Gertie, and the self-proclaimed “Roadrunner”, she always welcomed anyone who came to her door.

The viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday evening at Willis Funeral Home in Gallipolis.

Funeral services will begin at 2:00pm on Saturday, followed by internment at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Cheshire.

There will be military services at the graveside.