Gertie Patrick

Born in Koln, Germany on November 25, 1921

Departed on October 6, 2018 and resided in Nashville, Tennessee

Patrick, Gertie Kruse, Age 96-Beloved mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother, died on October 6, 2018.

Gertie Kruse Patrick was born in Koln, Germany, November 25, 1921.
Her love of sports began as a preteen when she first convinced her father she would be an asset to his men's rowing team on the turbulent Rhine River.
Soon she joined a women's team where she continued rowing throughout her teenage years, while also excelling in the Decathlon.

Throughout her life this love of sport kept her fit and energized, whether it was boating, bowling, golfing at the Hillwood Country Club, or simply cheering on the Vanderbilt team.

Gertie survived World War II with an indomitable spirit and a quiet strength that sustained her the rest of her life.

After the war, she quickly taught herself enough English to secure a secretarial job for the commander of the US Army in Stuttgart. It was there she met Captain Robert S. Hayes, Jr., and they married.

As a war bride Gertie came to the US, studied hard, and became a naturalized citizen.
She was proud of this. She never spoke of the war and always referred to herself as an American.

Gertie had a knack for sales, whether it was Tupperware, women's sportswear or office furnishings. Her wit and charm made sales another successful adventure for her.

Gertie also loved growing flowers, and she created award-winning floral arrangements.

Another chapter of her life began in 1973 when she married James R. Patrick.

She was a faithful member of Belle Meade Methodist Church, St. David's Episcopal Church and St. George's Episcopal Church.

Gertie was preceded in death by her parents, Josef and Luise Kruse; brother Josef Kruse, husband Robert S. Hayes and husband James R. Patrick.

Survived by devoted children Diana Haas (Paul), Gloria Clements (Jack Milligan), Robert S. Hayes III (Karen) and Marga McBride (Jay); grandchildren Heather Charles (Todd), Patrick Haas, Melanie Haas (Griffen Stabler), Stancy Tomlinson (John), Chase Clements, Joseph Hayes (Anna) and Rachel Hayes; great grandchildren Nicholas Brown (Samantha), Lucas Hayes, Levi Hayes and Josey Hayes; great-great grandchildren Sawyer Brown and Jacoby Brown; nieces Renata Kruse and Uschi Kruse.