Gladys Meyer

Gladys V.(Nelson) Meyer, age 91, a retired homemaker died at Aspen Gardens in Helena on October 1, 2013. Her memorial service is scheduled for 11 AM on Sat. Nov 2, 2013 at the Fairfield United Church of Christ with burial in the Sunset Hills Cemetery in Fairfield. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Gorder-Jensen Funeral home in Choteau.



Born in Billings, the fifth child of Earl B and Edna M (Rickey) Nelson, she joined the family on 2/22/1922. The family was in Fromberg, MT. where her dad farmed and taught school.



She was Valedictorian of her high school class. She attended Montana State College (now MSU) in Bozeman, where she was in the "Big Ten" due to her grade point, served as women's Co-op president one year, and also met her future husband Al. She majored in Home Economics, with minors in Science and English. After graduation, she taught in Townsend one year, then accepted a position teaching high school in Fairfield.



July 7, 1946, she and Al Meyer, Jr. were married in Fromberg, MT at her parents' farm. They farmed in the Fairfield area and in 1956 her husband and brother in law purchased the Meyer Ditcher Company from their dad. They continued to farm as well.



She was active in the PTA, Home demonstration club, and in the church, serving as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and choir director.



She and her husband had 3 sons, and they tried to support them in their school, community, and sports activities. She was noted for her cooking, her love of the outdoor nature scenes, and her love of reading. She took a correspondence course in painting and an adult education class in writing. When she moved into Fairfield from the farm, she was noted for her roses.



She was actively involved in caring for "Gram and Granddad" Meyer as their health declined. On the more joyous side, she was able to visit frequently with her grand kids in Portland, OR, Washington DC area, and in Conrad.



She was delighted to provide lodging to grandchildren 3 separate summers, when they were her husband's hired help. She and her husband were able to keep in close touch with her sisters and on several occasions took vacations with them.



In 2008, ill health forced the move from Fairfield to Helena. Shortly thereafter, her husband had his stroke and died. Aspen Gardens staff commented, on multiple occasions, how sweet she was, and how thankful she was for the care given.



She was preceded in death by her husband Al, her son Bill, her parents and siblings, Rex, Louise, Lucile and Fay.



Survivors include sons Jim (Charlotte)of Helena, MT and Bob (Mickey)of Clackamas, OR; daughter-in- law Nancy Foster(Bill) of Arlington, VA; 7 grandchildren: Margaret Meyer, Caroline Meyer, and Robert Meyer, all of Arlington, VA; David (Valerie) Meyer of Bellevue, WA; Melissa (Adam) Knapp of Bethesda, MD; Brian (Heather) Bell of Aloha, OR and Brenda (John) Zajdel of Silverton, OR; 8 great grandchildren: Kaleb Bell and Alexis Bell, both of Aloha, OR; Austin Zajdel of Silverton, OR; Kira Meyer, Miranda Meyer and Zoe Meyer, of Bellevue, WA; Iridia Knapp and Helia Knapp of Bethesda, MD, and numerous nieces and nephews.



The family expresses their deep appreciation for the loving care given at Aspen Gardens and Hospice of St. Peter's.



Memorials are suggested to Fairfield United Church of Christ or a charity of the donor's choice.



Online condolences may be left at www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com