Gertrude H. Cearlock, 85, Decatur

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Gertrude H. Cearlock, 85, of Decatur, formerly of Fayette County, passed away at 2:45 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2021, at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney.

Services will be held at noon on Saturday at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Decatur. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur. Visitation will be held from 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Saturday at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur. Memorials: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 1 Bachrach Ct., Decatur, Ill. 62526.

Gertrude was born on Sept. 22, 1935, in Shobonier, the daughter of Walter Arthur and Helen Louise (Reichman) Bombal. She married the love of her life, Jack K. Cearlock on Dec. 9, 1956; he preceded her in death on Oct. 22, 2002.

She had been employed as a teller with the Citizens National Bank of Decatur, which later became First of America Bank; National City Bank; and PNC Bank. She began her career in Decatur in 1950 and retired in 1997. During her tenure at the bank, it was not uncommon to see a long line at Gertrude’s window while other tellers were not serving customers. Because of her beautiful smile, warm personality and proficiency in her job, many Decatur customers would only do their banking with her. She loved dressing up for work in fashionable clothes and jewelry, and modeled for Newman’s store in downtown Decatur. Gertrude also won many awards in her long career as an Avon representative to the Decatur community.

She was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church and loved the Lord with all her heart. She also loved her country, and one of her favorite songs was “God Bless the USA,” (especially the line “I’m proud to be an American”). Gertrude enjoyed going on vacations with her family to Florida, especially Disney World, and to the Ozarks and other destinations in Missouri where relatives resided. She rooted for the Bulls during the Jordan/Rodman era and would frequently tell them through the TV when to pass the ball or take a shot to which her husband would reply: “Honey, they can’t hear you.” Gertrude loved driving her white ’78 Volkswagen convertible to Perkins, where she was a regular customer ordering coffee and her favorite sweets, like chocolate chip cookies. She especially loved being a grandma to Elizabeth and Mallory, and treasured time spent with them.

Her family is blessed with the knowledge that she has rejoined Jack, the love of her life, in heaven, where they are both with their Savior.