Gertrude E. Scroggie

Gertrude Emma (Webb) Scroggie passed away March 19, 2019, peacefully, with her family by her side. She was born August 24, 1918 to Ernest and Lola (Wine) Webb at their home near what is now milepost 10 on the Malaga-Colockum highway. She joined older brothers Lovell and Loren. Soon after, her family bought a home and acreage up the Colockum Creek, that came to be known as the Webb Ranch. Gertrude spent her early years attending Colockum School through 8th grade and hiking with friends to her favorite spot, Feather Point, every spring. She loved to spend countless hours hiking in the hills of the Colockum. She attended Wenatchee High School and in 1936 was selected Apple Blossom princess. The three royalty had many fond adventures traveling the state into Canada with their chaperones - including tossing chocolates at passersby out a second-story Seattle hotel window! At 100 years old, Gertrude was the oldest living Apple Blossom royalty. After graduation, Gertrude worked at Meadowmoor Dairy and later at Kress Store in Wenatchee. In July 1939, she married the neighbor boy, Carl Scroggie, and moved one mile up the Colockum Road, where they made their home and ran the family dairy (Scroggie Dairy). During the next part of her life, she helped by driving their 1940 Chevy panel around Malaga and Wenatchee areas to deliver fresh milk. Gertrude raised five children (Carleen, Diane, Dan, Bill and Fern), delivered milk in 10 gallon cans to Skookum Dairy, cooked for the hired men, some of whom boarded with them, and made numerous trips to town for running errands. She was a strong support on the ranch and to her husband until his death in 1985. Gertrude had a strong faith in God, and she was baptized where she was a member of the Malaga Christian Church in 1949. The Scroggie home was a center for social and musical gatherings. Many fond memories of their children revolved around the Scroggie home’s “breakfast nook,” which hosted numerous conversations, meals, and gatherings by friends, passing hunters, farm help, and family. Many other fond memories involved the family playhouse. Carl and Gertrude held a “playhouse-warming party,” a birthday present for Carleen and Diane in 1952...it even made the Malaga news in the newspaper. Gertrude was very involved in local community activities. She was a 4-H Leader of the Colockum Croppers, helping with pack trips, local fairs, and fundraisers. She was involved in the Chelan County Cattlemen’s Association, Malaga Homemakers, Malaga Council, and a member of the Malaga-Stemilt Hill Grange for 75 years, and helped with many other local events. Once her kids were older, she went to work at Malaga Co-Op, starting as a stamper and working her way up to bookkeeper/office manager. She worked there until her retirement. Gertrude enjoyed her retirement years. She volunteered for many things, and also worked for Chelan County Auditor during elections. She also took swim lessons and finally learned to swim. She made many lifelong friends in this “Swim Group” who continued to meet for birthday luncheons every month. Gertrude loved to travel with friends to many places, including China, Panama, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, and Canada. Gertrude was a gifted piano player. With her brother Loren playing accordian, they played for dances at grange halls for several years. She was still able to play “Dark Town Strutter’s Ball” and “Five-Foot Two” from memory, at 100 years old! Gertrude made many beautiful quilts and embroidery throughout her lifetime. Her family also loved her home-made ice cream, bread, chocolate chip cookies and delicious apple pies. She enjoyed playing card games, doing crossword puzzles, reading, and sitting in her yard enjoying the Colockum hills. Gertrude enjoyed living at her home for 75 years. Through the years she was able to watch the Colockum hills change seasons and welcomed all visitors with a smile and her famous chocolate chip cookies. At age 95, Gertrude moved into Tuscany Cottage in Malaga, where she resided until her death. There, she was loved and treated like family for the last years of her life. A special thank you to Misty, Melanie, Ida and her other caretakers; and to Kent and Yolanda Lenssen, owners. Gertrude is survived by daughters, Carleen Elliott, Diane King, and Fern (Jan) Luebber; son Bill Scroggie; grandchildren Mike Elliott, Steve Elliott, Sydni Elliott (James) Swanda, Bethany Elliott (Jeremiah) Green, Lloyd King, Jake Scroggie, Erin Luebber, Haeley Luebber (Calen) Tanner, Dillon Luebber, Danielle Shiflett-Jack, and Kelli Scroggie (Will) Wright; great-grandchildren Briana (Derek), Chase, Austen, Kellyn, Bonnie, Jed, Abigail, Katie, Jodi, and Ryley; step-great-grandchildren, Cheyenne and Cody; nephew and niece, Stacy and Sharman Webb; and cousin Judy Webb Johnson. She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Lola (Wine) Webb, infant sister Fern Webb; brother Loren Webb; brother Lovell and sister-in-law Dorothy Webb; infant grandson Adam Elliott; husband Carl; son Dan; and son-in-law Corky Elliott. Mom was the Queen Bee of our family and forever our princess. Mom was always fun to be around and had a sense of humor until her last days. Above all, Mom loved her family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alatheia Riding Center (2170 Sleepy Hollow Heights, Wenatchee). A private family burial was held March 28, 2019 at Wenatchee Cemetery. A celebration of Gertrude’s life will be held at the Brethren Baptist Church (535 Okanogan Avenue, Wenatchee) on Saturday, April 27 at 3 pm

Tributes

Gertrude E. Scroggie

August 24, 1918 - March 19, 2019