Gladys Larson

Submitted Story

Published: Wednesday, January 28th, 2009

  Gladys F. Larson was born March 26, 1927, at Custer, S.D. to Lynn and Celeste (Kyes) Virtue.  Her mother died giving birth to Gladys, so she was raised by her aunt and uncle, Minnie and Col. Gentry.  She attended school in Fort Lewis, Wash., Reading, Mass., Fort Meade, S.D., and Custer.   On Jan. 6, 1950, she married James E. Larson, and together they had one daughter, Nora Rae. Gladys worked in the public most of her life. She worked at city hall in Custer and at the Custer courthouse as clerk of courts and deputy register of deeds. She was also employed at Custer Title and Abstract Co. for 20 years before her retirement. She was a devoted mother and grandmother. She loved watching her grandsons participate in various sports, especially baseball. She loved the outdoors, fishing and camping.  Her hobbies of crocheting and knitting produced many gifts for friends and family.  She enjoyed playing cards, marble, Bingo and going to Deadwood. She never met a stranger.  Her quick wit and humor made her fun to be around. She loved to visit with her friends and neighbors. Gladys died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2009 at Weston County Health Services in Newcastle, Wyo. She was 81. She is survived by her daughter, Nora Lipp of Newcastle; sister, Myrtle Bender of Albuquerque, N.M.; two grandsons, Phil (Kristi) Lipp and Sam (Jennifer) Lipp of Newcastle; two great-grandchildren, LaKacee and J. J. Lipp of Newcastle; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were Jan. 23 at Worden Chapel in Newcastle with Ron Sample officiating. Burial followed at Custer Cemetery in Custer.  A memorial has been established and the family welcomes all contributions.