Gertrude May Avens, 85, Born May 13, 1924, in Roselle, NJ. At home with Jesus December 7, 2009, Ghent, NY. She was the daughter of the late Clarence and Vera Corson of Roselle, NJ and Philmont, NY. She was the seventh child of  ten brothers and four sisters, the wife of  James Avens Sr, the mother of;  Reverend Mark Avens, Doug Avens, Jim Avens, Gary Moyer, Jeff Avens and daughter-in-law Kathleen Avens, grandmother of; Amanda, Allison, Kristina, Faith and Jacob Avens. Gertrude was a devoted wife and wonderful mother. She came to know Jesus in her forty's, depended on and praised God every day for all her blessings. She loved her children and would go without in order to help them. She loved her grandchildren and was the happiest when they were on her lap or just around her. She not only loved her brothers and sisters and their children, but enjoyed being around all children. She always knew how to make a child laugh had a great sense of humor and always looked for the best in people. Gert appreciated even the smallest things done on her behalf. She was a tennis athlete in high school as were all her siblings. Gert or Gookie was a tennis enthusiast to the end. She loved dogs and they knew they would receive a treat or even a hand out from the table. You always felt welcome in her house. She would feed as many people as possible, even on a moments notice and would send you home with as much as you could carry. Gert enjoyed watching birds especially at the feeder. She would come to the aid of a bird house being raided by another bird and chase it off. She loved to camp, hike, fish and crab with her family. For forty years she was the friendly voice of Park Tree Service. Gert and Jim were partners in business.  She answered phones, collected outstanding debts, made huge lunches to take to the jobs and had a huge dinner ready for her husband and sons on their return. Every Sunday was like Thanksgiving with family and friends. Just as she helped her mother and father in their elder years her children helped her as well. Sincere thanks to the Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene, whose help allowed our mother and wife to stay at home. A calling hour will precede the 11 am Worship service at the Bible Baptist Church of Ghent on Friday, December 11.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the French, Gifford, Preiter & Blasl Funeral Home, Chatham, NY. For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.frenchblasl.com Memorial Gifts may be made to the Bible Baptist Church, 1323 Route 21 Ghent, NY 12075 or Community Hospice of Columbia-Greene 47 Liberty Street, Catskill, NY 12414.