Gertrude Mae Farrell LaVerda, 93, of Martinsville, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by family at The Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care on June 7, 2023. She was born on October 28, 1929, the oldest daughter of Walter and Myrtle Spencer. She was first married to Raymond Farrell on November 8, 1946, who preceded her in death on October 2, 1966. She married her second husband Tony LaVerda and they later divorced. Gertrude had one goal in life and that was to take care of "her three boys". She was a hard worker from an early age from feeding the pigs and milking the cows. As a young widowed mom of three growing boys, she raised a large garden and also raised and sold hundreds of puppies to help supplement income. She was very family oriented and loved for all of her family to gather for special occasions. Survivors include 2 sisters Barb Wyrick (Paul) of West Terre Haute, IN and Mary Pennell of San Bernadino, CA; her three sons Larry Farrell (Marci) of Marshall, IL, John Farrell (Brenda) of Martinsville, IL, and Bill Farrell (Barb) of Marshall, IL; 6 grandchildren, Larry Farrell Jr, Kim Williams (Toby), Jodi Sparks (Dale), Missy Farrell (Robert), Billy Farrell Jr., and Chuck Farrell; 6 great-grandchildren Eric Johnson, Trey Zarka, Devin Zarka, Kaleb Flinn, Bailey Sparks, and Noah Flinn; 1 great-great grandchild Gavin Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Rose Fonner, and step grandson Duanne Tingley. She was a member of the Freedom Baptist Church. She enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and made the best baked macaroni and cheese, divinity, fudge and loved eating anything chocolate. She also loved growing mums, irises, and peonies. Visitation will be 4-8 PM Tuesday June 13th at Pearce Funeral Home with a service honoring her life 2:00 PM Wednesday June 14th at the funeral home with Pastor Marvin Oakley officiating. Burial will be in the Marshall Cemetery. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to the Gibson Family Center for Hospice Care. A special thank you from her family goes to ICU nurse Brandon and Hospice nurse Rachelle for the wonder compassionate care shown to Gertrude as well as the family. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.