Mary Gertrude Howse, nearly 100, affectionately known as "Mimi" passed away May 22, 2018. Gertrude was born August 15, 1918 in Memphis, Tennessee. She lived in Memphis most of her life until she moved to Cottonwood Estates Independent Living (Solstice) in Plano, Texas twelve years ago to be near her family. Preceded in death by her husband, Clyde R. Howse; her parents, Walter Lantz Tygard and Pearl Hayes Tygard, and brothers, John Hayes Tygard and Charles R. Tygard, Sr.
Gertrude met the only love of her life, Clyde, in Memphis where they had a full life together for more than 50 years. She was proud of her husband who served with the Army engineers during WWII and the Korean War. She often mentioned that he fought in the Pacific to "help save the world." Gertrude devoted her life to her family and her only son, Lantz, was her passion, pride and joy. She was a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.
Gertrude was a member of Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis and was the treasurer of the LeMaster Sunday School class for over 60 years. She enjoyed many hours of volunteer work as an usher and tour guide in Memphis for The Pyramid and Art museums. She also worked part time for the Election Commission. Gertrude enjoyed entertaining and sharing stories and jokes with family and friends. Her strength, independence, determination, generosity and loving ways defined her unique personality. Her strong-will and feistiness helped promote her longevity. There will never be anyone quite like Gertrude Howse (Mimi) and she will be greatly missed by all. Her family surrounded her in her final days.
She leaves to cherish her memory, son, Lantz and his wife, Barbara of Fairview, Texas; two grandchildren, Debbie Hazelwood and Tiffany Ruff; and two great-grandchildren, Caiden and Ashlyn Hazelwood.