She was born July 6, 1906, in Dennis, Mass., the daughter of Cora and Levi S. Howes. Gertrude grew up on the Circle Bar family ranch at Otter, Mont., where cowboy artist Bill Gollings was a frequent visitor. He encouraged her to pursue a career in painting.

Gertrude attended Sheridan schools, Carleton College and the University of Washington, where she studied painting and design and received her BFA degree. She had one-man art shows at Sheridan College, Wagner's Art Gallery, the Custer County Art Center in Miles City, Mont., and the Powder River County Library at Broadus, Mont. Her work was also shown in Butte and Billings, Mont., and in Deadwood, Newell, Lead and Sturgis, S.D. In 1936, she helped organize and was president of the Sheridan Art Forum, now known as the Sheridan Art Guild.

Gertrude married Archie Storm on Oct. 7, 1930, and they lived in Sheridan. He preceded her in death, as did her daughter Virginia (Mrs. John) Peasley.

Her life revolved around her family and her home, which she enjoyed restoring. She also enjoyed ranching, gardening, needlecraft, playing bridge, church and her cats; and she entertained her family by reciting lengthy poems from memory. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Sheridan. She was also a member of DAR, Mayflower Descendants, Sheridan Book Review Club, Daughters of the Nile, Beauceant and the Northern Plains Resource Council.

She is survived by her daughter, Catherine Wakefield (Bob) of Sheridan; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, at First Presbyterian Church in Sheridan, with Kane Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Billings Gazette - October 1, 2007