Gladys Anderson
1921-2015
Gladys was born in Smithers on July 18, 1921 to Edith and Oscar Ekman. She grew up on a farm on Ekman road with her three brothers. She attended school in Telkwa travelling every day by horse and buggy to school. After marrying Pete, Gladys moved to a farm on Hungry Hill. Life on the farm was hard work and there was no electricity, so everything had to be done the old fashioned way. As things slowed down in the winter, she took up spinning and knitting sweaters, socks, mittens and hats. She did this for several years, selling them at the Smithers fall fair and craft shows.
Two years after her husband Pete died, she moved into Smithers to an apartment and once off the farm, she claimed there was nothing to do. For several years, she volunteered at the donut shop. When the donut shop closed, she volunteered at the New To You thrift shop. She was also very active with the Smithers Baptist church.
Gladys moved to The Meadows in December 2009. She loved the staff and eventually settled into being waited on and cared for. She was straightforward, a true no-nonsense woman. She was exceptionally loving, accepting and kind to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. If anything was going wrong, or right, everyone could count on grandma answering the phone call.
Gladys is survived by her children, Judy (Alfred), Robert (Judy and children), Yvonne (Doug); grandchildren, Diana (Ken), Tracey (Billy), Donna (Chris), Kathy, Amanda, Melanie (Lance), Ashley and Kim; great grandchildren Devan (Lou), Morgan, Shaylee, Ciera, Montana, Corey, Trevor, Hannah, Akira, Dakota, Riley and Blake. She is also survived by her granddaughter-in-law Caitlyn (and Joshie) and three special nieces Christina, Jackie and Elaine. She is predeceased by her husband Pete Anderson, son Frank; grandsons Barry and Peter.
Gladys leaves behind a legacy of unending hard work, endless love for her family and an honest devotion to the Lord. She has now joined her loved ones in heaven. Rest in peace, we love you very much.
Special thanks to the following people who helped take care of Gladys: the wonderful and caring staff at the Meadows, all the care workers, Christina, Pauline and Kerry. Also, special thanks to Kathy for being with grandma during her last few days and helping keep me together.
A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, Oct. 24th in the Fellowship Baptist Church in Smithers. Condolences may be offered at www.raschraderfuneralhome.com.