Gertrude "Doty" McDowell, a true pillar of Church of the Good Shepherd here in Sioux Falls, was buried from the parish and laid to rest at Woodlawn Cemetery with full military honors.
Good Shepherd went through some roller coaster years, and faced situations that might have disbanded many congregations. But Doty was part of a dedicated, resilient core who kept the parish going.
Her strength was apparent in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, where she served in England and France during traumatic years of war and its aftermath, 1944-46.
She finished her nursing career with decades of work at the Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Sioux Falls from 1959-1983.
Her graveside honors included the presentation of the folded U.S. Flag from her coffin, with the words
This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.
Her faithfulness in worship, sage advice and generosity of time, talent and treasure will be missed at Good Shepherd. She was, to use New Testament language, a spiritual mother to our congregation.
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