GERTRUDE MARY WHETZEL's Obituary
Gertrude Mary Whetzel, 99, of San Bernardino, died Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at Crestview Convalescent Hospital in Rialto. Whetzel, born May 15, 1908 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, lived in the San Bernardino area for 45 years. Mrs. Whetzel spent her many years on earth following the Lord’s leading in her life by ministering to the needy. She worked with the meals-on-wheels program in San Bernardino and ministered once a week to the young people at Juvenile Hall. Along with her involvement in numerous churches in the area, Mrs. Whetzel founded an inter-racial, inter-denominational fellowship called Family to Family Fellowship which included 38 San Bernardino churches. Beginning in March of 1972, she spearheaded a non-profit group that was responsible for having the Martin Luther King Jr. statue built outside of City Hall in San Bernardino. She worked diligently for many years trying to move the project forward. Finally, with the assistance of the local chapter of the Masonic Prince Hall and Mayor W.R.(Bob) Holcomb, the statue was commissioned with Mexico City artist Julian Martinez Soto and unveiled on November 8, 1981 at a ceremony attended by over 700 people.
Mrs. Whetzel was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, James Whetzel, her son William Albert Walters and one great-grandchild. Included among her survivors are 7 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 27 great-great-grandchildren along with numerous friends and acquaintances.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino with Memorial Services at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at First Presbyterian Church, 1900 N. “D” St., San Bernardino. Interment will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA., staging area #3. All are welcome to attend.
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