Our mom, gramma, sister, aunt and friend Gladys Mae (Rohnke) Russ passed away in the company of family at the age of 87. Gladys joined the love of her life Robert “Joe” Joseph Russ in God’s heavenly hands on April 12, 2017.
Gladys was born to Carl and Treanitja “Tena” (Jelken) Rohnke in Kansas on December 7, 1929. Her family later moved to Norcatur, Kansas where Gladys graduated from Norcatur Rural High School where she played basketball.
She was the 13th of fifteen children and the youngest girl. She was very soft spoken and possessed an air of beautiful elegance. She was always ready to lend a hand and she took great pride in her family. Some of her fondest memories of the old days were of the simplest moments. She loved picnics, the goat swing, playing in the granary, and following her brothers and sisters around. Her whole family worked at the Howard Benton farm where Gladys cleaned house, helped her mom cook for the farm hands, picked potato bugs, and worked in the fields.
After high school, Gladys moved with some of her brothers and sisters to Colorado and subsequently to Helena, Montana. On July 2, 1955, she married Joe Russ in the old Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in East Helena. She has been a member there ever since. Gladys left her job as a billing clerk with Mountain Bell after her first child was born. Gladys and Joe remained in East Helena and raised five children.
Prior to raising her family, Gladys played softball for Sandy’s Texacans in Helena and the team was inducted into the Helena Sports Hall of Fame in 2013. She was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and she loved listening to local radio broadcasts of Saints, Bengals, Bruins and Jefferson Panther games.
Gladys ran her household with kindness and instilled the importance of love, life and laughter into all her children and grandchildren. Family was the most important thing in her life. She could make dinner, play dodgeball, and get yard work done all at the same time — and do them all well. She created outrageous Halloween costumes and designed wonderful birthday cakes from scratch. She let her kids be kids. She was always right there to pick them up and kiss the hurt away. Gladys was not only mom to her children but she opened her yard and home to the neighborhood kids and all of her kids’ friends. They all looked forward to the fresh bake cookies she always shared.
She cared for her grandchildren with the same love she gave her own children. Gramma helped them with homework and created fun crafts and games. She was every one of her grandchildren’s greatest supporter. She always attended their school programs, dance recitals, plays, and sporting events; and was the first to say she was going.
One of Gladys’ greatest loves was baking. She often said it wouldn’t be the holiday season if she didn’t bake potica. She felt such joy and pride in being a small part of others’ celebrations with her poticas, cakes, pies and cookies.
Gladys always looked forward to spending time at her sister and brother-in-law, Kay and Ray Gustafson’s ranch. She was at peace there. She loved the family picnics and had fond memories of Christmas’ spent at the ranch. Gladys and Joe enjoyed dancing to the music of Ray and Kay and could often be found on the dance floor.
She loved traveling to VFW functions; visiting family and friends; and just going anywhere. She also enjoyed bus trips with gambling friends and family members. She was an active lifelong member of the East Helena Ladies VFW Auxiliary. She loved volunteering and helping others. Gladys was blessed with many friendships and special people in her life and for this, she thanks you. The twinkle in her eyes and her welcoming smile will be missed.
Gladys is survived by her children Tom (Patti) Russ, Janet (Dennis) Sheehy, David (Ana) Russ, Sandra (Bob) Milsten, Teresa (Jeff) Nye; her grandchildren Timm (Kyrie) Russ, Cassidy (Chase) Cunningham, Pat (Leah) Sheehy, Katie Sheehy, Nolan Russ, Jaime Milsten, Jessica (Johnathan) Lavinder, Joel Milsten, Justin Nye and Jeremy Nye; her nine great-grandchildren and one due April 23rd; her sister Tena Wimer and brother Ben (Deanna) Rohnke, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband Joe; mother and father Tena and Carl Rohnke; her brothers Frank, John, Al, Gus, Carl and Paul Rohnke; her sisters Kay Gustafson, Lillian Hartford, Alice Bowman, Elsie Waites, Adeline Martin and Marie McChesney; and son-in-law Doug Hauge.
Gladys and her family would like to thank the staff and her friends at Rosetta Assisted Living, Frontier Home Health & Hospice, her doctors and their staff and Dr. Smith’s Dental Office for their unbelievable care love and kindness. You truly were her extended family too.
Please see below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Gladys.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday April 21, 2017
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 22, 2017
Ss. Cyril Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the funeral Mass
Saturday April 22, 2017
Ss. Cyril Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the reception
Saturday April 22, 2017
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Friday April 21, 2017
Anderson Stevenosn Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
1:00 p.m.
Saturday April 22, 2017
Ss. Cyril Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Reception
Following the funeral Mass
Saturday April 22, 2017
Ss. Cyril Methodius Catholic Church
120 W. Riggs St.
East Helena, Montana 59635
Burial
Following the reception
Saturday April 22, 2017
St. Ann's Cemetery
East Helena, Montana 59635
Share
Shirley Rohnke says
I have such fond memories of Aunt Gladys. I always was amazed at how she kept all the children in line. I remember her as upbeat and a positive person who liked to have fun. I will always cherish our visits as a child to Montana to see my dad’s brother and sisters.
Laurie House says
Dear Russ family, Gladys
was an important part of our Rosetta family. She is truly missed by everyone. Thank you for letting us care for her.
Laurie House
Anna says
I will miss you Gladys, and not just for the lemon meringue pies I took from you. You were a super wonderful Lady. Thanks for letting me a part of your life and your family
Sandi Coyle-Benson says
I am so saddened to read of your mom. I respected her and she was a pleasure to grow up with and know. Know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. “God Bless”
Cindy Lee says
Janet and all the family, you mom truly was blessing to you all and by extension to all of us. I will never forget that hevenly taste of potitsa every year and knowing the love that went into it! In later years, I would occasionally see her and Aunt Helen as Smiths Place. I was saddened to see the old family home go up for sale too. May God’s mercy and comfort surround you all and give you peace that surpasses our ability to understand. Blessings to you all!
Jere Hoy says
We were very to hear about the loss of your Mom, Tom and Patty. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jere and Kay
Mary Brydich says
Tom, Janet and Family – I am so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have so many wonderful memories of Gladys and your dad. We spent many years at functions with the VFW, church and being at your home when we were young. When your Mom was still baking, it was never a holiday without one of those amazing poticias. I fondly remember Gladys and Mary Stipich as being Mom’s closest friends. Gladys truly was a wonderful and giving person. I am so sorry for your loss. She is now with Joe.
Vonnie Jenkins says
To the Russ family
Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill Dolan says
Tommy, Janet and all of the Russ family, your Mom was a true East Helena icon. It wasn’t Christmas unless her potica was at our house. My Dad and Joe always counted on our Moms to save the day when the VFW dinners were held. Mrs. Russ always had that calmness about her that just drew everyone to her. I’m saddened to hear of her passing, but I am so thankful to have known such a great woman. My brothers and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Russ family. East Helena lives in our hearts forever.
Sandy Owens says
Gladys was a beautiful lady. She always had a smile on her face She would love to stop and visit when she was out for a walk. She will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Buzz Helfert says
Gladys was a true matriarch in East Helena. She was always in the middle of all the wonderful things the VFW and auxilliary did for the kids in East Helena . Gladys was one who made our town special. Godspeed, and may she rest in peace.