Glenna Mae (Gilkison) Walters was born in Macville, ND on August 13, 1931 to Commodore and Marie Gilkison. She was joined by her sister Carol seven years later. She loved her family very much and often told stories of her grandmother being the inspiration that led her on her spiritual path. She learned about giving and selflessness from her grandparents and spoke of the gifts and kindness they bestowed on her.
Glenna played basketball in high school, and although it was only half court back then, she was proud to teach her kids and grandkids what she knew. She also attended many dances growing up and graduated from Sharon High School. She met her future husband when she was just fourteen years old. She and Don had a fun-loving courtship for five years until they married on September 20, 1950. In 1951, their first child Deborah Gayle was born, followed by Rhonda Jane in 1954, Donny Perry in 1960, and Kari Lynn in 1967.
Glenna was a brave, adventurous woman, leaving her parents at the age of 18 to follow her fiancé from North Dakota to Montana. She then found work for her parents so that they, along with her younger sister Carol, could move to be with her. They settled in Livingston, MT and that is where they made their home for seventeen years. In 1966, Don and Glenna and family moved to Townsend and they made their new home.
Glenna was a homemaker for most of her life, and she took that job very seriously. She cooked three meals a day, cleaned, ironed, and helped her family with anything they needed. She was the best mom and grandma, having the opportunity to baby sit and watch all of her grandkids.
In 1989, after settling into an empty nest, Glenna went to work for Townsend Schools in the lunchroom. She loved this job so much and made many friends there.
Glenna and Don also traveled south to Yuma, Arizona for several years to escape the Montana winters. There they enjoyed morning walks and getting together with friends for lunches and dinners.
Glenna was a friend to all, and she smiled and talked to everyone she met. She loved starting conversations with people and made new friends quickly. Glenna treasured her friendships, both old and new. She had many wonderful friends that were like family, and she and Don made many wonderful memories with them.
Glenna’s pride and joy came from her family. She enjoyed passing down family traditions, cooking family meals, hosting holiday gatherings, and planning family vacations. She made everything look easy and did everything with a smile. She was the “hostess with the mostest” and made everyone feel welcome.
Glenna is preceded in death by her husband, Don, her daughter Deborah, and her parents, grandparents, and extended family.
She is survived by her daughter Rhonda Kepner, son Donny Walters, daughter Kari (Jamie) Williams, grandchildren Angela (Doug) Shanley, Carmen (Dan) Eiselein, Emily (Andy) Mathison Erica Kepner (Bobby), Blake (Kelly) Williams and Brett Williams (Ashley), and great grandchildren Jorden Williams (Nettie), Kallie (Tanner) Johnson, Kelson and Meghan Eiselein, Madeline Heggem, Isabelle, and Kellen Heggem, nieces and nephews. Her favorite sayings were “life is fragile” and “each day is a gift”. May we all remember this, and the beautiful soul of a life well lived. Glenna will be missed so much but will remain in our hearts and lives forever.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Saturday October 30, 2021
Shepherd of the Valley Church
301 N Cherry St
Townsend , Montana 59644
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 am
Saturday October 30, 2021
Shepherd of the Valley Church
301 N Cherry St
Townsend , Montana 59644
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Jim and Sally says
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. 💔🙏🏼
Clayton McElravy says
My late wife, Sheryl, referred to Glenna as her second Mom. Glenna always welcomed us when we visited. You always had to have something to eat and/or drink. She was wonderful and I hope Glenna and Sheryl are somewhere talking and laughing together.
Arliss Sakos says
Sorry for your loss of your wonderful mom. She was always smiling and had a funny sense of humor. She will be missed
Ray and Barb Baum says
Rhonda, Donnie & Kari, We feel blessed to have had Glenna and Don in our lives and they are now reunited. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Gail M Spatz says
So sorry for your loss. I only met your mother a few times but she left a lasting impression and was so friendly and happy I wish I’d known her longer. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
Jeannette Hahn says
When I first moved to Townsend I would play crib at the commercial bar and there is where I met Glenna. She sat drinking her wine every week when her son Donny would bring her in. We talked about Yuma where my folks lived, horse racing, and everyday life. Each week she would be there and I so enjoyed our conversations. Made me being a new comer feel welcomed to Townsend. Bless her and all her family.
Jeannette and Rodney Hahn
Gary & Doreen Peters says
Love & hugs to you kids on the loss of your Mom. We hadn’t seen Glenna since 1989 when we moved away, but reconnected with her in 2017 when we moved back home to Townsend. We met almost daily for lunch at the senior center and enjoyed visiting with her. She always had a smile for us and her wonderful sense of humor always came out during our visits. She will be missed.
Sherry and Ward Scoffield says
We did love Glenna. As she visited Don every day at the Health Care Center, we felt of her tender spirit, love and kindness. I knew her also from the Townsend Schools….always a smile and laugh. She was a “people” person. We know Glenna loved her family so very much….she certainly will be missed by all who knew her.