Gladys Ferree Ellenburg, 94

Gladys Ferree Ellenburg, 94, of Kalispell, passed away at the Immanuel Lutheran Home on Monday, Nov. 15, 2010.

Gladys was born on Feb. 14, 1916, in Herrin, Ill., to Charles Turner and Laura (Ferrell) Turner. At 2 months old, Gladys returned to Big Sandy, where she grew up on a ranch and graduated from high school in 1933. In 1939, she married K.C. Bill Marlow in Big Sandy. They had one daughter, Sandra. Gladys and her sister Virginia served as postmistresses while their husbands served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After the war, Gladys and Bill owned Pep's Place. Later they moved to Whitefish, where they built their home and owned and operated Sandra's Dress Shop. Bill passed away in 1957. Gladys married Dr. Virgil Ferree in 1960. They raised Tennessee walking horses, which they enjoyed riding in the wilderness and parks throughout the Northwest. Dr. Ferree passed away in 1982. Gladys loved showing her horses, dancing, traveling and entertaining. In 1986, Gladys married Ralph Ellenburg; they spent their retirement years traveling around the world with their friends Clay and Gail Thomason. Ralph died in 2006. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Laura Turner; sister, Jenny Cowan; half brothers, Joe, Juilian, Martin and Charlie Turner; and half sister, Fern Martin. Gladys is survived by her daughter, Sandra and Art Lindlief, and their four children, Pennijo and Ted Tompkins, Kelly and Dan Siblerud, Amy Marko and Lance Lindlief. There are numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews who are going to miss their GG.

She lived in capital letters.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 22, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 603 S. Main St., Kalispell, with a celebration of life luncheon to follow at the Elks Club.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Home Options Hospice, 430 Windward Way, Kalispell, MT 59901; or The Humane Society, P.O. Box 221, Kalispell, MT 59903. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Gladys' family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Gladys' guest book, offer condolences and share memories.