Gladys A. Lee, 87, Carpio, died Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009, in a Carpio adult foster care home.
Gladys was born Oct. 9, 1921, on the family farm west of Carpio, in Ward County, a daughter of Jacob and Laura Ronningen Peterson. Gladys grew up and lived all her life in the farming community, where she graduated from Hartland High School in 1939. She continued her education at Minot Teachers' College, Minot, finishing with a two-year teaching certificate in 1941.
Gladys married Norman Lee on June 18, 1944, in the First Lutheran Church, Carpio. Following their marriage, they made their home on a farm near Hartland. Gladys and Norman raised three daughters and both worked actively on the farm.
Gladys taught at a country school in White Ash Township prior to her marriage and later taught in Donnybrook, Tagus and Blaisdell for 19 years while continuing to help with farming activities and maintaining her community involvement.
She was active in the Church Women's Group both in Hartland and Carpio, an officer and active organizer of the Carpio Senior Citizens, and a long-term caretaker of the Hartland Cemetery. Additionally, Gladys unconditionally gave help to those in need in the community. In 1992, Gladys was inducted into the North Dakota 4-H Hall of Fame. She was a 4-H leader of the Pepperettes Club for more than 60 years, guiding many children on their quest to better themselves. Because of Gladys' influence, the Norman and Gladys Lee family is a N.D. Centennial 4-H family with more than 100 years of service.
Gardening, sewing, embroidering, crocheting, canning, cooking, baking and making craft projects were among Gladys' favorite activities. She sewed hundreds of pieced quilts for church groups and family. She is remembered by many for her famous chocolate fudge and beautiful gladiolas. Gladys' family meant the world to her and she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; she taught them all many life lessons.
Gladys and Norman lived on their farm until 1985, when they moved east of Carpio in the Des Lacs Valley. In 2003, following Norman's surgery and illness, he and Gladys moved to Brentmoor of Minot. Norman died Aug. 22, 2008. In May of this year, Gladys moved to Angel Care in Carpio where she was lovingly cared for by Candy, Steve and their staff.
Gladys' loving family includes: her children, Jane (Paul) McCullough of Scottsdale, Ariz., Elaine (Paul) Lemmer of Portage, Mich. and Debra (Curt) Engelhard of Donnybrook; grandchildren, Brian (Cherlyn) Burkett, Matt Burkett, Travis (Summer) Engelhard, Amy Engelhard and Emily Engelhard; stepgrandchildren, Kelly (Laura) McCullough, Shawn Lemmer, Rachel (Matt) Erny, Michelle (Lon) Bouma, Dawnna Lemmer, P.J. (Kellie) Lemmer, Marya (Scott) Pennings; great-grandchildren, Austin and Samantha Burkett and Isabel and Augustus Engelhard; stepgreat-grandchildren, Breanne, Shayley and Quin Lemmer, Emilee, Ashlyn and Kailey Erny, Ethan and Ezra Bouma, Trinity and Owen Lemmer and Julia Pennings; brothers, Harold (Borghild) and Lloyd (Joyce) of Carpio, Don (Helen) of Berthold; sisters, Lois (Glenn) Smith, Colorado Springs, Colo. and Marilyn Payne, Minot; sister-in-law, Betty Peterson, Minot; brother-in-law, Oliver (Frances) Lee of Minot; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Norman Lee; parents, Laura and Jacob Peterson; brothers, Freeman Marvin and Jack Peterson; sister-in-law, Angeline Lee; and brother-in-law, Red Payne.
Prayer service: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the Carpio Lutheran Church, Carpio.
Funeral Service: Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at 10 a.m. in the Carpio Lutheran Church, Carpio.
Interment: Hillside Cemetery, Hartland.
Visitation: Sunday from noon until 5 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot and at the church one hour prior to the start of the family and funeral service.
Those wanting to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).
