Gertrude Mae Rawlings Mechnig died Sunday morning, July 1, 2012, at the tender age of 101, in Garnett, Kansas, at the Anderson County Hospital, only a few hours after being admitted for pneumonia. Gertrude was born on March 20, 1911, in Moran, Kansas, where she remained most of her life. On May 2, 1931, she married Bill Mechnig of the Westphalia area, where they made their home and raised their six children on the family farm. They were married 27 years at the time of his death on September 29, 1958. Mrs. Mechnig enjoyed traveling, playing cards, visiting with longtime friends at her annual birthday party, but most of all, she loved being with her family. Others preceding her in death were her parents, Rosa and Milton Rawlings; four brothers, John Rawlings, Art Rawlings, Levi Rawlings, and Roy Rawlings; four sisters-in-law, Clara Rawlings, Lucille Rawlings, Lulu Rawlings, and Wilma Mechnig Dempsey; one brother-in-law, Edgar Mechnig; two daughters, Eileen Thomas and Kathryn Hammond; one grandson, Ronald Christenson; two sons-in-law, Raymond Hammond and Chris Christenson. Surviving are her son, Bill Mechnig of Roswell, New Mexico; three daughters, Loretta Helt of Lincoln, Nebraska; Jane Waggoner of Wichita, Kansas; and Susie Croul of Corona del Mar, California; 21 grandchildren; 53 great grandchildren; 38 great great grandchildren. Gertrude is a German name meaning "Strong Spear". Gertrude Mechnig lived up to the meaning of her name in every aspect. Strong, Smart and Spiritual. She will be missed by everyone who knew her. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 5, 2012, at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service Chapel in Moran, Kansas. Burial will follow in the Moran Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Golden Heights.