Gertrude Westcott

Gertrude Elizabeth Westcott, 82, a lifelong resident of Mancelona, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Cherry Hill Haven of Kalkaska. Born on January 27, 1944, in Ypsilanti, Michigan, she was the daughter of Leslie and Vivian (Stratton) Spires.

Gertie graduated from Mancelona High School in 1962 and remained in the area for the rest of her life. She married the love of her life, Kenneth Westcott, at the Mancelona United Methodist Church. Over the years she worked at several local establishments, but her most cherished role was running an in-home daycare for twenty-four years. She cared deeply for every child, regardless of circumstance, and she and Kenneth also opened their home to many foster children. Gertie generously volunteered her time with the Village of Mancelona Fire Department, helping organize events, especially the annual garage sale.

She possessed a heart of gold and was one of the most caring people one could ever meet. Always placing others before herself, Gertie had a nurturing nature that drew people to her. In her later years she found joy in knitting, especially creating “safety scarves” for family members and first responders in the area. She was also a gifted cook and baker, known for her generous spreads and homemade treats.

Gertie is survived by her beloved husband, Kenneth Westcott; her children, Ron (Cathy) Westcott and Teresa (Rick) Skrobecki; her sisters, Zila Healy, Edna (Norm) Lanning, Sheryl (Dave) Miller, Bonnie (Jay) Wildfong, and Jeanne (Eric) Hoogerhyde; four grandchildren, Ron Westcott (Kristy), Natalie (Josh) Peterson, Skyler Skrobecki (Nicole), and Summer Skrobecki (Max); and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Martina Sutter, and her brothers Samuel, Leslie, and Rick Spires.