Gertrude Smith, 1947 - 2012

Above, Gertrude Smith and Lenell Bridges around 2003.  Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I was surprised and saddened to learn yesterday that longtime Godzilla/Ultraman fan Gertrude Smith passed away over a year ago. Her friend Lenell Bridges didn't learn about it until earlier this year.

She was a moderator over at Rodan's Roost and I did notice that she hadn't been active for a while.  Now I know why.

I found this obituary, which reads in part:

Gertrude Irene Smith, a veteran Ultraman/Godzilla fan, passed away from Emphysema on 5/25/2012 at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. She was 65. Gertrude was born in March of 1947 and was named after her mother. She was a prison Guard who lived alone with her cat in Blytheville, Arkansas and loved to chat/debate about local politics. 

When I first announced The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan, she posted at Rodan's Roost (as "Raptor"):

A most welcome addition to any kaiju fan's shelf (and about time! ).
If anyone can put it together, Armand can IMO.

Thank you again, Raptor!