Gertrude Read, 89, passed away on Oct. 31 2017. She was born to George Henry and Frances Margaret (Stagner) Likes on Sept. 13 1928, in Emporia. Gertrude owned and operated Reads Retail Liquor in Great Bend for 33 years before retiring.
She is survived by her children, Margaret Read of Haysville, Butch (Peggy) Krom, and George (Susan) Read, of Great Bend; siblings, N.H. (Shirley) Likes and Karen Thierrien; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Johnnie Read; daughter, Peggy Ann Krom; siblings, Mary Gibbs, Chester Likes and Charlie Likes.
A celebration of life will be held at a future date. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials may be sent to the VFW Auxiliary, Great Bend, KS 67530. To share an online condolence visit www.affinityallfaithsmortuary.com.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Nov. 3, 2017*