"Gladys" Anna

Anna 'Gladys'
Myrtle Flaaten
Gladys Flaaten passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at the age of 91 years. Gladys was predeceased by her mother, Annie (nee Barsness) in 1964; father, Nels Flaaten in 1970; brothers, Noel in 1998, Harold in 2000, Norvald in 2011 and Scotty in 2013; sister, Bertha (nee Flaaten) Huston in 2006; brother in law, Thomas Huston in 2007; niece, Audrey (nee Huston) Downs in 1997 and sister in law, Laura Flaaten (2016). She was the last remaining member of the immediate family. Gladys was born on the farm in the Grassdale District on August 15, 1932 to Nels and Annie Flaaten. She took her first seven years of schooling in Weyburn, attending all three public schools; namely Assiniboia, Haig and Souris, depending on which side of town they were able to obtain living accommodations. Their mother accompanied them for the school term as this also included her brothers Noel and Harold. In 1944 at Easter break more families had moved into the Grassdale District and Meadow Brook School was again opened. This school now stands at Heritage Village in Weyburn. Some of her high school years were taken by correspondence. Gladys later moved back into Weyburn and obtained her Commercial Course at the Weyburn Collegiate. In 1950, she became employed at Barber Motors, working with her brother Harold who was the Accountant at the time. Two years later she moved on and became employed at Western Grocers, Weyburn Union Hospital, Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture and ended her employment with the R.C.M.P. for nearly 29 years, at which time she decided it was time for retirement. During her working days she enjoyed playing softball, bowling - earning several trophies, spectator sports and biking. Gladys also travelled to several provinces, states, and countries, including a trip to Sogndal, Norway in 1981 where she attended a family reunion for over 200 relatives. This being her second trip there. When her nieces and nephews were growing up, she enjoyed taking in most of their activities as they progressed into the years. She also enjoyed being on call for babysitting. Gladys also gave a helping hand to each member of the family as their health deteriorated. When her mother was diagnosed with cancer, most of her weekends and holidays were spent helping out on the farm. She thoroughly enjoyed farm life, even milking and herding cows, as well as riding her pony. When her brother Harold bought Kempton Stationery & Book in 1964, she worked double shifts, both at her own employment and at the store after hours. Gladys was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Weyburn all her life, progressing through Sunday School, Confirmation, Luther League, Choir, Mary Martha's (being the first secretary when it began), Chairperson for Outreach & Evangelism Committee, on Church Council for three years, Chairperson for Zion's 60th Anniversary and acted as secretary for Pastor Anderson's call committee. When "Search" was first introduced, she was a member of that group. She will be lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, friends and sister in law, Helen Flaaten (Norvald). Visitation was held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, Saskatchewan and the Funeral Service was held Friday, May 24, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. from Zion Lutheran Church, Weyburn, Saskatchewan with Pastor Victoria Mwamasika officiating. Interment followed at Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn, Saskatchewan. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Services in Care of Fletcher Funeral Chapel & Cremation Services, Weyburn, Saskatchewan, 306-842-5432.