Gertrude Marie Smith Yopp

Gertrude Marie Smith Yopp, 92, of Paducah, died Friday, February 09, 2018 at her home.

Gertrude was born in Tampa, Florida, on December 14, 1925 to Gerald Benjamin Smith and Joyce Marie Walmsley Smith.  During World War II, Gertrude worked in a shipyard in Tampa and was a proud “Rosie the Riveter.” While in Tampa, she met her future husband, Cliff, and after their marriage they moved back to his native Paducah to begin their life together.  She was a longtime member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and retired from Lourdes Hospital as kitchen manager. 

Surviving are three daughters to whom she dedicated her life, Helen Marie (Charles) Pratt of Eddyville, Karol Anne (John) Phelps of Paducah, and Mary Jean (Timm) Lotspeich of West Paducah; six grandchildren, Cheryl Silcox, Christopher Pratt, Thomas Pratt, Daniel Hargrove, Amy Arndt and John Phelps, Jr.; and nine great-grandchildren, Andrew Pratt, Abigail Pratt, Evan Silcox, Colton Pratt, Aaron Arndt, Anthony Pratt, Alyssa Pratt, Amey “Mimi” Silcox, Peyton Arndt, and Harley Ray Phelps PO2 USN; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Cliff” Yopp; sister, Marjorie Mei McLean; and two brothers, Gerald Benjamin Smith, Jr. and her twin, Thomas Parshall Smith.

A funeral mass will be held at noon Monday, February 12, 2018 at St. Thomas More Catholic Church with Rev. Al Bremer officiating.  Burial will follow at St. John Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Sunday evening , February 11, 2018 from 5-7pm at Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah.

Contributions may be made to Lourdes Hospice, 1530 Lone Oak Road, Paducah, KY 42001 or St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 5645 Blandville Road, Paducah, KY 42001.