Obituary of Gladys Stevens

Mrs. Gladys Stevens formerly of the Gorlitz district passed away on October 19, 2012 just shy of 90 years of age. Born January 15th, 1923 in the family home near Brancepeth, SK to Mary Olive Martin and John William Shore. Gladys was third in a family of ten and shared many fond stories of those years at home with her Mom and Dad, brothers and sisters. Gladys enjoyed her school days at Derby from the first day to the last and found many activities to participate in. Picnics, sports days and Christmas concerts were some of the highlights but it was playing ball that she loved the most. Any time you run into friends, past school mates, students and community locals, they all say what a hell of a ball player she was and was even given the nickname ‘Home Run King'. After grade school Gladys ventured to Saskatoon to attend Teachers College and in 1943 with her certificate in hand she picked a school and off she went. She often told the story of picking East Wexford as it was an English name but ended up right in the heart of Ukrainian country. Mom enjoyed teaching and helping young students learn and achieve. To this day, many past students still thank her for the preparation and direction that she gave to help them succeed. Gladys made friends easily and was gladly welcomed into her new community. One of the other teachers had invited her to come and meet her family and it was there that she met the handsome George Stevens. Gladys was married to George on July 15th, 1945 and enjoyed 51 years of marriage together. During those years they had six children, Don, Gary, Harry, Grant, Gayle and Loreen. Gladys and George developed the family farm in the Gorlitz District where they raised cattle, pigs, turkeys, chickens and children. Mom always said there were two things she wanted her children to learn to do, milk a cow and butcher a bird, which she made us do often. Gladys enjoyed life on the farm right up until she moved into town at the age of 86 years. There was never a chore that Gladys couldn't tackle whether driving tractors, trucks, combines or pulling calves when the cows needed a hand. Gardening was one of her favourite things; she could walk into the garden, come out with an arm full of vegetables and turn it into the most delicious soup. Anyone who was lucky enough to taste a bowl will always remember how good it was. Nieces, nephews, grandchildren, neighbours and family all say that no one could make soup like Gladys. Gladys was a lot of fun, had a great laugh and a great sense of humor. There was never a dull moment with her around. Whether singing one of her school rhymes, silly songs, or sharing fascinating stories of life growing up on the prairies, she was always able to keep our attention and make us laugh. She was also a sharp dresser and loved her tams, hats and animal prints. Throughout her years Gladys took many art classes and worked with many mediums. She started with pastels and nature scenes then explored oil, acrylic, pencil and charcoal in portraits, stills, landscapes, abstracts and cartoons. Her talent grew throughout the years leaving behind many wonderful pieces for her admirers. Gladys loved her family and took such pride and joy in her grandchildren's lives closely following and cheering them on in sports, dance, music and school accomplishments. Constantly the teacher, she always made sure that our grammar and double negatives were caught and corrected. Gladys was also very active in her community and could be found helping out in her church, the Rec Board, coaching ball and curling, leading 4H groups, and teaching Vacation Bible School. Gladys was predeceased by her husband George in 1996, son Don in 1974, son Gary in infancy and great granddaughter Caitlyn in infancy. Family left celebrating her life are: son Harry, wife Debbie and children Amanda and Jonathan; son Grant, wife Susie and children Carson, Georgia, Sydney and Carly; daughter Gayle and children Russell (Crystal), Tarra and great granddaughter Jordyn; and daughter Loreen, husband Brian and children Montana and Hazzard. Siblings Eileen, Elenore, Bill (Cheryl) and Arnold (Betty) as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre with Crystal Bailey officiating. The organist, Amanda Buhler led in the singing of the hymns, "In The Sweet By and By", "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace". The reading was given by Shauna Shore and the eulogy was presented by Loreen Friskie. Serving as honourary pall bearers were Tarra Stevens, Georgia Stevens, Amanda Stevens, Sydney Stevens, Montana Friskie, Carly Stevens and Jordyn Stevens. The interment followed in the family plot in the Garden of St. Matthew at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Jonathan Stevens, Carson Stevens, Hazzard Friskie, Bob Shore, Russell Stevens and Mitch Shore serving as the casket bearers. A favourite song of Gladys', "Jesus Loves Me"was sung at the gravesite. Memorials in memory of Gladys may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences to the family may be forwarded to www.baileysfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012 1:00pm Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens