Gertrude E. Willoughby

Gertrude E. Willoughby, 92, of South Sioux City, NE passed away on Friday, October 21, 2016 at Matney's Colonial Manor in South Sioux City, NE.Funeral services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City, NE with Father David Fulton officiating. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery in rural Jackson, NE. Visitation will begin at 5:00 P.M., with the family present at 6:00 P.M. and a prayer service at 7:30 P.M., preceded by reciting of the Rosary on Monday, October 24, 2016 at Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE.Gertrude was born on June 6, 1924 in Sioux City, IA, the daughter of James L. and Gertrude (Bartels) Heffernan. She was married to Lyle B. Willoughby for 49 ½ years. They had 7 children.She was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church for over 40 years and helped start the Legion of Mary and Jr. Legion of Mary. She weekly attended Adoration and volunteered at the St. Augustine Indian Mission. She was involved in local and state politics and was the first woman to run for City Council in South Sioux City. She was a den mother for Cub Scouts and started Happy Times 4-H sewing club. Gert was an avid Geneologist and helped write the History of Dakota County. She also helped others trace their family lineage. She was St. Michael's "Woman of the Year" in 2005.Survivors include her children, Marie (Roger) Hargus of AZ, Lyle (Adrianna) Willoughby of CA, Bart Willoughby of CA, Nancy (Chuck) Rose of South Sioux City, NE, Kim (Rick) Neal of Memphis, TN, and John Willoughby of FL; grandchildren, Matt (Traci) Rose, Brad (JaNay) Rose, Melissa Rose, Lou (Laurie) York, Scott York, Stephanie (Patrick) Priddy, and Joe (Breawna) Hoffman; great-grandchildren, Randi York, Amber Lee York Gibson, Isaiah Rose, Brilee Rose, Hope Rose, Blake Rose, Brooke Rose, Alyrika Hoffman, Mateo Hoffman; and a great-great granddaughter, Lilee Gibson.Gertrude was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle B. Willoughby in 1989; a daughter, GI Willoughby in 2001; her parents, Gertrude and James Heffernan; brothers, Mark Heffernan and Don Heffernan; and nieces, Connie and Jennifer.