Gertrude Hayashi

Gertrude Elaine Hayashi joined her Heavenly Father, in the Kingdom of Heaven, on June 16th, 2025. Her final moments were with Shanna, at the HopeWest Care Center. She left this earth at the admirable age of 76.

Gertie lived an amazing and full life, overflowing with love and accomplishment. It started when Gertie was born on August 2,1948, to Mickey Jim and Geneva June Hundley-Drake in Grand Junction, CO. She remained in the valley, growing herself, her business, children and grandchildren,

Being the 7th of 8 children, she spent most of her time working and playing with her many brothers and sisters. With Mom working as much as she could, the oldest took after the youngest and, the youngest played. Despite being too poor to afford most things a child would want, they made the best of it, with never a dull moment. Whether it was trying to help momma in the kitchen, using the old washboard for laundry, or splashing in the local rivers and canals. Always constantly being harassed by the older brothers, in good fun of course.

In 1964 Gertie married Dewey Lee Wilder and had a son. Charles Eugene Wilder was born in 1965. They quickly divorced after. She started waitressing at the Crane’s Cafe, taking care of her son, soon to embark into cosmetology school. The year being 1973. While at the Crane’s, she met Oliver Hayashi, when he bought the restaurant. They soon fell in love and had their daughter, Shanna Suzanne Hayashi. They were married in 1981, and remained together until his death in 2015.

In 1975, Gertie completed beauty school, graduating as one of the top of her class. She spent the next 30 plus years owning her own salons. She first owned The Trend with her best friend and partners Beau Gonzales and Lucia DiThomaso. She then spent the rest of her career, owning Lakeside Hair and Nails with Gloria Vance. She ended up selling Lakeside to her long time employee Lynn Lard, Gertie had to retired in 2010 to stay at home and take care of her ailing husband, Ollie. After Ollie had passed, she spent her time being the best mother, grandmother, and great grandmother that anyone could ask for. Her best moments were holding them and hugging the ones too big to hold. Through everything, until the end, she always gave a hug and a kiss and made sure you knew she loved you.

After several years and a few trips to Oklahoma, relaying information gathered by various family members, in 2005 she and her whole family were accepted into the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma. Paving the way for generations the heritage she was sure of as a child. The Daily Sentinel even featured an article in the paper because of DNA being used as proof.

Besides spending time with family and friends, she enjoyed playing softball and dancing. Winning several trophies and prizes. Music was a staple in her life. Passing her love to her children and grandsons. Many road trips were made enjoyable with sing alongs. Classic Country and Gospel were her favorites.

Gertie is preceded in death by her son Charles (Chuck), her husband Ollie, both parents, 5 brothers Jimmy, Don, Johnnie, Denny and Mickey, and sister Mary. Niece Cindy Miller and nephew Travis Drake.

Gertie was loved by many and is survived by daughter Shanna, grandsons Trevor Wilder (Emmalynne), Josiah Hayashi and great grandson Ezra and great granddaughter Emry Wilder all of Grand Junction. Sister June(Dwayne) of Montrose. Twelve nieces and nine nephews and several great and great great nieces and nephews.

A memorial is planned for later.