Gertrude enjoyed typical girl activities like reading, especially Alice in Wonderland. She also liked visiting her grandparents' farm and listening to music with her family, who had their own orchestra. Due to illness, she had to leave high school early but continued her education with a tutor. When male teachers left to join World War 1 in 1918, Gertrude was asked to teach first grade and accepted, staying in the same classroom for 32 years.