Gladys Border

Gladys E. Border (Estes), of Great Falls, formerly of Whitefish, age 92, died of natural causes at a local assisted living facility Feb. 1, 2006. She was a homemaker.

Gladys was born in Belgrade on Oct, 26, 1913m to George W, and Mary Martha (Barclay) Estes.

She graduated from Belgrade High School and married Dave Border on Oct. 4, 1935. They lived in Gallatin Valley until the beginning of World War II when they moved to San Diego, where Dave worked in the naval shipyards.

They purchased a place on Blanchard Lake near Whitefish in 1947. Her husband worked in the timber industry and later the U.S. Postal Service. Gladys worked at the Langdon Locker Plant and was a 4-H leader for several years.

Although Gladys had many adversities in her life, including the loss of her first home in Whitefish by fire, and the early death of her immediate family, she never complained and always maintained a positive attitude. She loved gardening, traveling with her son and his wife, and being with people, especially children, which kept her younger than her years. During her later years she was an active worker and supporter of the North Valley Food Bank in Whitefish.

She was preceded in death by a brother and five sisters, her husband Dave, a son Donald and daughter-in-law Muriel.

She is survived by nephews James LaRue, and wife Jannett, of Great Falls, and Doug Border and wife Bev, of Mason, Iowa; nieces Mary Miller and husband Roy, of Three Forks, and Alice LaRue, of Palmer, Alaska; and several grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins and friends.

Cremation has taken place. No services are planned at this time.

Memorials may be made to the North Valley Food Bank, 311 E First, Whitefish MT 59937 or the donor's choice.