ONE of Wiltshire's oldest residents has sadly died just 3 months after celebrating her 106th birthday with her family and friends.

Gertrude Tippetts, known as Gertie, died peacefully at the home on Friday, April 22 surrounded by daughter Janet Turk, and son Michael Tippetts. Her son, Anthony Tippetts, was unable to attend.

Mrs Tippetts was pre-deceased by her husband Albion Tippetts, who died in 2002 aged 86, and two of their five children, Valerie and Trevor.

Many of the great-great grandmother's family live in the area. She leaves 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

One of her relatives said: “Gertie was very proud of all her family and always so kind and generous to them all.”

The amazing 106-year-old was born on January 18 1916 in Avebury, the youngest of six children and named after her mother, Gertrude.

Mrs Tippetts never met her father William Fishlock as he was killed during the First World War and laid to rest in India.

Taken from her mother at the age of three because she was bedridden with paralysis, Mrs Tippetts went to live with her Aunt and Uncle, Nelly and Jack Fishlock at Culleys Farm, Cadley, along with three of her siblings and cousins.

She has since lived in Winterbourne Monkton, Clench Common, Yatesbury, Marlborough and in Royal Wootton Bassett since 1998.

She went to the Cadley National School in Marlborough and worked in service before she started her family with her husband Albion Tippetts, whom she met at Marlborough Fair and married on December 9, 1936.

Mrs Tippetts ran the post office in Winterbourne Monkton while her husband was serving during the Second World War and later at Yatesbury Camp.

After her family had grown up she then worked at Marlborough College until 1986 when she retired aged 70.

Mrs Tippetts liked to knit and play bingo, and kept up with the news, sport and current affairs by reading newspapers and watching television.

She also loved anything to do with the Royal family and was excited to receive yet another birthday card from The Queen on her 106th birthday.

The funeral service is at the North Wiltshire Crematorium, Royal Wootton Bassett at 12pm on Monday, May 23.

The family said: “Family flowers only please with any charitable donations to be made to the Wiltshire Air Ambulance which was a cause close to Gertie’s heart.”