Gertrude Mae Cale McFarland, age 90, of Jewett, passed away Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Gables Care Center, Hopedale.

Born October 28, 1935, in Jewett she was a daughter of the late Wilbert Maffit and Isabel Ferrell Maffit. She graduated from Jewett High School in 1953 and was a hard worker all her life. She worked as a platter caster and handle maker for 31 years at the Scio Pottery. She then worked for 6 years at the former Bakers Foods in Scio, 6 years at Sears in Steubenville and for 10 years at the Word of Life Daycare in Steubenville retiring in 2007.

A devoted Christian, Gertrude attended Bethel Methodist Church near Jewett. She loved her Jewett community and volunteered her time and talents wherever they were needed. She had been a member of the Jewett VFD Auxiliary and the Jewett High School Alumni Committee, being named the 2017 Jewett Citizen of the Year by JHS Alumni. In the 1970’s she enjoyed square dancing with a group in Scio. Gertrude was a talented baker who made delicious pies. cookies and homemade noodles, always donating or sharing with her family and friends. She would also make specialty cookies for Christmas that she sold to the community.

Surviving is a son Daniel (Cindy) Cale of Scio, a granddaughter Cody Cale of Columbus, a brother Jim Maffit of Mentor on the Lake and Carl Maffitt of Painesville, and a sister Wilma Cornelius of McConnellsville, a companion/caregiver Don Costello of Amsterdam, as well as numerous nieces and nephews she cherished but she especially close to her niece, Rebecca (Andrew) O’Brien.

She was preceded in death by sisters JoBelle Fluharty, Dorothy Carpenter and Arlene Ogden and brothers Marion, Bob and Jack Maffitt.

Services will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11 am in Koch Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery near Jewett. Friends may call Monday from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Jewett VFD, PO Box 15, Jewett, Ohio 43986.