Gertrude Dragonas

Gertrude Dragonas, 93, passed away March 15, 2014, in Phoenix, Arizona. Gertrude was born October 7, 1920 to Robert B. and Mel Walker in Anna, Illinois. She attended Davies School in Anna for eight years, Anna's Jonesboro High for two years and graduated from McKinley High School in Chicago, Illinois. Gertrude married William Dragonas on January 10, 1940, at the 2nd Baptist Church of Chicago and worked as a homemaker, taking care of her two beautiful children. She went on to earn her associates degree from Phoenix College in 1984 at the age of 64, later saying that going back to college at the age of 62 was one of her greatest accomplishments in her life. At the time of her death, Gertrude was the oldest living TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) member. She enjoyed gardening, bird watching, and sports, especially watching the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Phoenix Suns. Gertrude loved crossword puzzles and spending time with her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her daughter, Diana Dee "Dee Dee" Parrillo; son, William "Billy" Dragonas, Jr; grandchildren, Nicole D. Berg and Gina D. Orzechowski and seven great-grandchildren, Chance, Chase, Cassidee, Kayla, Erich, Katrina, and Kassandra. Gertrude is proceeded in death by her baby brother, Bobby Walker; and her sisters, LaWanda P. (Walker) Reynolds & Billie L. (Walker) Davis. Gertrude's final resting place will be in the Anna Cemetery in Anna, Illinois. Her family would like to thank Hospice of the Valley for their wonderful care for their mother and grandmother in her final moments and would also like to say thank you to Jacqueline Jensen, of SereniCare Funeral Home, for her kindness and gentle compassion throughout our mother and grandmother's final days.