Gertrude Matte, 89, passed away Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, at Weatherford Hospital, surrounded by family.Services will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, at Connally/Compton Funeral Directors Chapel, with burial following at Waco Memorial Park.Gertrude was born Nov. 16, 1923 to Gertrude Tomme. She grew up and spent most of her life in Port Arthur. She worked for Texaco as Head Telephone Operator for many years. After retiring from Texaco in 1981, she moved to Waco. She was a long time active member in Highland Baptist Church where she served as Sunday school teacher for the Naomi Class, worked weekly at their Care Center and participated in a women's prayer group for 24 years. Pursuing a lifelong dream, Gertrude enrolled in several oil painting classes and went on to paint dozens of landscapes, still lifes, and portraits for family and friends.In her later years, she moved to Weatherford to be near her daughter and son-in-law and resided at Holland Lake Nursing Center. At age 87, she began taking watercolor lessons at the center and enjoyed learning a new artistic skill. Gertrude was chosen to be Ms. Holland Lake of 2012 and participated in the Ms. Senior Parker County Pageant where her talent presentation was art. She was preceded in death by her mother.Gertrude is survived by her children---Pat and husband Dr. Bill Gilbert and Paul and wife Lorraine Matte; grandchildren---Phil Gilbert and wife Lisa, Dan Gilbert, Tim Gilbert and wife Danice, Grace Matte and Patricia Swart and husband Ed; great grandchildren---Catlin Gilbert, Emily Gilbert, Morgan Gilbert, Pierce Gilbert, Matthew Gilbert and Anna Gilbert.