Gertrude E. "Gertie" (Raley) Slackford,

age 78, of Canton, passed away early Monday, October 27, 2025 after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Gertie was born in Canton on April 12, 1947, a daughter of the late Donald and Helen (Reardon) Raley. She attended Saint Joseph's grade school, was a 1966 graduate of St. Mary's Academy in Monroe, Michigan, and a 1985 graduate of Walsh University with her Degree in Nursing. Gertie loved her nearly thirty years of working as a Psychiatric Nurse at Mercy Medical Center before retiring and remembered fondly her many colleagues and friends that she made in her years there.

Gertie was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished her family and many friends.  She was an amazing grandmother and fiercely proud of her grandchildren. Gertie will be remembered for her kind and generous heart, and for the beautiful smile she shared freely with all who knew her. She found joy in time spent with family and friends, especially when hosting gatherings filled with laughter and good food. She loved to travel, was an avid reader, and cared deeply for the neighborhood cats she faithfully looked after.

In addition to her parents, Gertie was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Slackford, brother, David Raley, her sisters, Helen Ann Raley and Molly Raley, and her step-mother, Edythe F. Raley.  She is survived by daughters, Amy (Jim) Pukys of Canton, and their daughter, Kasey, of Chicago, and Jennie (Pat) George, and their children, Emma and Ryan, of Massillon.

Services will be held Friday at 11:30am at Christ Presbyterian Church in Canton. Friends may call on Thursday at Formet-Clevenger & Gordon Funeral Home from 6:00pm-8:00pm, and on Friday before the service at the church from 10:00am-11:00am.  Interment in Sunset Hills Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Gertie's memory can be made to your local animal shelter.  Condolences may be left at: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com.

Gordon (330)456-4766