Gladys L. Gilbert (Cassidy) Cox passed away of natural causes on Monday, April 7, 2014, in Helena, at the age of 92, in the constant care of her family (and just a few hours shy of her 93rd birthday
Born Gladys Louise Gilbert on April 8, 1921, in Livingston, Montana, she was the fourth of five children born to Philip Gilbert and Hedwig Uhl. She was raised on the Gilbert Rock Creek Ranch three miles east of Clyde Park, in the magnificent Shields Valley with the Crazy Mountains looming just a few miles east of the home place. She once commented that even though they were surrounded by such vast natural beauty, “it did not impress us children as much as it should have.”
Gladys attended Pleasant View School and later Clyde Park High School, graduating in 1938. Memories of those formative years often spoke to the day-to-day challenges of farm life and the contributions made by “small hands.” Despite hardship and heartbreak, Gladys remembered her upbringing fondly, including the Depression years, as a time of great connectedness. “Picnics, school dances, or perhaps a trip to Livingston to shop for a new dress,” made for a rich-enough life and would come to define a woman who lived a life of gratitude and appreciation for the simple things in life.
Gladys graduated from MSU in Home Economics in 1942. In 1943 she married her high school sweetheart James (Jim) Cassidy of Clyde Park, who sadly died on Iwo Jima in 1945. She subsequently began her teaching career in White Sulphur Springs and later Baker, where she taught high school for five years. Mountains met prairie, and on June 2, 1950, she married Wayne Cox, with whom she would spend the next fifty-seven years. She welcomed the next chapter of her life, as wife and mother, with an abundance of grace and patience, characteristics that were apparent to all that ever met her. To be in her presence was to feel safe and to know that the world is a good place.
Six children were born to Gladys and Wayne between 1950 and 1959. The first four, Dan, Colleen, Julie, and Sid, came in quick succession. It made for a full and busy life ranching and farming in eastern Montana, as hired help needed to be fed in addition to all that was required to make a house a home for her growing family. Frequent visits by neighbors and nearby family meant food was never an afterthought. (Hospitality was Gladys’s trademark, even in the middle of a workday.) Alas, twins were born, Bergetta and Katherine in Ekalaka, in summer 1959, confirming that life is full of surprises.
Gladys and Wayne lived in Helena for almost twenty years. While their spirits remained young, challenges to health and independence steadily grew. A fantastic group effort that included siblings, son-in-laws, daughter-in-laws, grandchildren, caregivers and friends made it possible for them to live at home for nearly all their lives. Son Heaven Assisted Living took watch of Gladys this past year and provided a loving home away from home.
Gladys is survived by son Dan (Hiromi) Cox of Baker, daughters Colleen Cox of Anchorage, Alaska, Julie Jessal of Eugene, Oregon, Katherine (Bill) Friley, Calgary, Alberta, and Bergetta (Lanny) Hubbard of Helena. In addition, seven grandchildren, who were loved and celebrated beyond measure by their grandparents, include Billy (Tetiana) Friley and Sam Friley of Calgary, Alberta, Erica White, Sydney Australia, Courtney Richlie, Eugene, Oregon, Anna Hubbard, Seattle, Washington, Leland Hubbard, Missoula, and Caroline Requa, Anchorage, Alaska.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Wayne in 2007 and her son Sid in 2013, sisters Vera Bruggeman of Baker and Phyllis O’Rourke of Livingston, brothers John Gilbert and Allen Gilbert of Clyde Park. She leaves behind many cherish nieces and nephews in both the Gilbert and Cox families.
The family extends their gratitude to Drs. Lee Harrison and Basten and the nursing and hospice staff at St Peter’s Hospital for their care (and patience) as we held vigil last week. Friends who came to say farewell to Mom while carrying gifts of food and sharing in conversation, thank you. We will reflect often on those acts of kindness that will help to heal our hearts.
Gladys will be honored on Friday, April 11, at Retz Funeral Home in Helena, 315 East 6th Ave. A welcome and viewing begins at 1:00 p.m. and funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow at the Carolina Bed & Breakfast, 309 N. Ewing. Contributions may be made to St. Peter’s Hospice c/o St Peter’s Hospital 2475 Broadway Street Helena, Montana 59601. Please visit below to offer condolences to the family or to share a memory Gladys.
Service Schedule
Viewing
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Celebration of Her Life
Friday April 11, 2014
Carolina Bed and Breakfast
309 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
1:00 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Celebration of Her Life
2:00 p.m.
Friday April 11, 2014
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Immediately following the Celebration of Her Life
Friday April 11, 2014
Carolina Bed and Breakfast
309 N. Ewing
Helena, Montana 59601
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Laura Palmer says
Sincere condolences to the entire family of Gladys Cox from your Canadian friends.
Dennis Gilbert says
In the large Gilbert family and all the threads anyone of a older generation was referred to as aunt, uncle or cousin rather than trying to figure out the more proper connections.
Though I new Aunt Phyllis O’Rourke well and adored her I only met Aunt Gladys once as a boy and wondered from time to time who and where she was . I was impressed and “took a liken” to her instantly. I am sorry for the loss to the family.
urvin says
most kind and gentle aunt that will always be in my heart and memories. Peace Love
Gail & Lorrie Vennes says
Our prayers are with you at this time of sadness. We never had the opportunity to meet Gladys, our loss. My grandmother was Grace Gilbert Shelhamer, extended family members.
Peace be with you
Bill and Marsha Davis says
Dear Family,
We feel deeply grateful to have known Gladys – an elegant Montana woman who possessed great beauty, intelligence, strength, and a good and kind heart. Always gracious and kind, she would receive us warmly whenever we met or visited, and her goodnatured company and conversation was a delight whether she be relaying the escapades of Candy and Gilbert, recommending a treasured book, or expressing joy and interest in the activities of all the children. Gladys always seemed so young at heart, and her beauty, strength, and courage is clearly evident in the loyal and loving family she and Wayne raised. Thank you for the privilege of getting to know such a gentle, strong, and loving soul. We will always remember Gladys with joy and admiration. our love and deepest sympathy to you all,
The Davis family
Laura (Courtney) Larson says
Dear Colleen and Cox family,
I will always remember your mother as being the most patient, kind, and loving mother I’ve ever known. I’m sure it was especially hard raising 6 naughty children (just kidding)! Having lost my mother only 2 years ago, I know how much your hearts are aching. I’ll always remember the time I ran into your mother in Spearfish, after you had all lived in Canada for several years, and she said she had seen my twin in Calgary! I thought that was so cute. She was truly a wonderful person.
With deepest sympathy,
Laura
Craig A. Shepherd says
I am sorry to hear of Gladys’ passing. Your Mom, Grandmother, was truly one of a kind. Most will say that Gladys was a kind and warm hearted woman who always made people welcome in her home and I can vouch for that. May her memories always be with you. I will let my mother know, if she has not already been told. I know that my mother has fond memories of Gladys. With the best of wishes, God Bless Gladys and family.
Craig A. Shepherd
Bob and Debbie MacLeod says
On the peripheral but honored to be. The “Extended” family should be so proud to be a part of the Gladys/Wayne progeny. There is a reason why everyone in the “family” we’ve been lucky enough to meet through Kathy and Bill is a very special person – that reason is Gladys.
Our sympathies and respect,
Deb and Bob MacLeod
Phyllis Brinkerhoff says
Bob and I feel blessed and honored to have shared several good times with Gladys. She was a gracious woman who always had more than enough time to be with people. Her beautiful smile was contagious and she had a way of making one feel special and loved. Bob and I were fortunate enough to have celebrated Glady’s 80th birthday at the Carolina; a wonderful event that will be long remembered…. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Love,
Phyl and Bob
Judi Sorenson says
Dear family,
So many wonderful memories from times spent in their many homes. Summertime with the cousins at the 100 Ranch. Swimming in Beaver Creek pretending we were Indians. We cousins riding the train for a Missoula vacation. A special time when they were in California.
Then visits to Miles City, Spearfish , Missoula , and Helena.
Gladys welcomed us with love and great meals. She had many moves, small children, was pregnant at times, had hired men, and made it seem easy. She was so interested in us and our families. She called me in 2013 after she lost Sid. I talked about all the grandchildren. She said “it’s like a sudden bloom of a rare plant” she has received Beth’
Christmas card and said, ” I would like to be in the middle of the kids and dogs”. She was a special lady and having her as an aunt was a blessing. I wish I could have been
With you it say goodbye. I just found a pencil drawing of Sid that Mom did would you like it? Hugs to all you are in my prayers.
Niece, cousin
Love, Judi
,
Janet Burton says
A life filled with love and grace. Sharing my prayers of support for your family as you celebrate your Mother’s life and reflect on the many ways she shared her warmth and strength – enriching the lives of others. I know she’ll be with you always. With Love, Janet
Shane and Carole Bettenhausen says
What a wonderful tribute…and what a rich life she led. Our deepest sympathies with all of her family.