Also left to mourn her passing are her cherished grandchildren: Tara (Jon) Vande Griend, Susan Esau, Skyler (Rachel) Stromsmoe, Demitrius (Katie) Alexandropoulos, Laurel Alexandropoulos and Joshua (Jesse) Alexandropoulos; and great-grandchildren: Ava, Sadie, Ruby, & Ty Vande Griend, Grayson & Wren Esau, Jett & Knox Stromsmoe. She will also be deeply missed by her surviving sibling Dick Rasmussen, and sister-in-law Mary Rose, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband Jerome, two infant sons, Wyndel and Merle, parents, Richard and Minda Rasmussen and siblings: Lloyd, Helen, Ruth, Gordon, Violet, Walter, Margaret, and Carole.

Mom grew up on a farm in Orion, Alberta. She had a happy childhood in a loving family amid close neighbours and friends. School for Mom started close to home in the one room Barby School, where most of students were Rasmussens. When it closed, she was bused to Orion. Part of her high school was completed in Medicine Hat, and the remainder in Foremost. After teaching school for a year in the rural community of Pendant d’Orielle, she took a job at the General Store in Etzikom. It was there she met Jerome, marrying him in 1953. They spent their married life busy on the Stromsmoe farm just south of Etzikom. Mom enjoyed work, and you could often hear her whistling as she went about her day. Besides busy days spent milking cows, feeding chickens, sewing and baking, she found time to be very involved in the community. Sewing and baking were a joy to both her and others to whom she generously shared these treats with. Her home always had the welcoming smell of fresh bread or another delicious aroma. Her donuts were legendary.

After the death of Jerome, Mom found comfort in her grandchildren as well as a new career in working for Bow Island Home Care, which she did until retirement. She then discovered travel & enjoyed many trips with family and friends to places such as Egypt, Australia, Norway and Hawaii.

After a few bad falls, she spent the last 12 years in Lethbridge at St. Therese Villa, thinking every day of what she would like to bake that day. She was able to quilt for the first few years and spent hours at it.

A family Graveside Service will be held at the ETZIKOM CEMETERY on Saturday October 18, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at the ETZIKOM COMMUNITY HALL, Etzikom, AB, on Saturday October 18, 2025 at 2:00 P.M., with a luncheon to follow.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Gladys’ name may be made to the Etzikom Museum.