Gladys Irene Martin, It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gladys Irene Martin, beloved mother, grandmother and aunt. Gladys passed away Thursday, August 25, 2016 at River Heights Lodge, North Battleford, Sask at the age of 95 years surrounded by her family. Born July 14, 1921 on the family farm in the Wilkie District, Sask. she is predeceased by her parents, Henry and Hilda (Hanson) King, of Wilkie, Sask and her late husband of 56 years, Jim Martin of Wilkie, Sask. Jim passed away on January 10, 2000. Gladys was one of seven children born to Henry and Hilda King. Brothers Gordon, Wilbur, Murray, Robert and her sisters Elsie and Mildred, predeceased Gladys. Gladys was raised on the family farm. She took her early schooling at Maxwell School for three years before moving to Wilkie to finish her schooling. Gladys worked for Dulmage Hardware until her marriage to the love of her life Jim Martin of Phippen, Sask on February 1, 1943. Jim had farmed with his father and took over the family farm when his father passed away. Gladys and Jim continued to farm until 1975 when failing health forced him to retire and move to live in the town of Wilkie, Sask. Gladys worked along side Jim on the family farm. She did everything as a homemaker, gardener and grain hauler. Gladys was actively involved in the Phippen community, the Phippen UCW helping with teas fall suppers, the Phippen community club and teaching Sunday school at the Phippen United Church. She was involved in the Phippen 4H club leading sewing and cooking projects. She assisted the young 4H members in preparing for square dance competition and achievement days. Gladys was a life long member of the Wilkie/Phippen United Church and a lifetime member of the Wilkie Rebekah Lodge. She enjoyed sports especially curling where she skipped in many bonspiels around the area. Gladys also enjoyed skating in her younger years, bowling, sewing, snowmobiling, fishing, camping, travelling, reading, playing cards and square dancing. Left to cherish Gladys memory are her daughter Joan (Frederick L) Matchett, Saskatoon, Sask her grandchildren Aaron and Andrea Matchett, Saskatoon, Sask; sisters-in-law Aurora King and Yvonne King of Kelowna, B.C. and Jean Barker of Wilkie, Sask; special niece Marilyn Clark, North Battleford, Sask and many other nieces and nephews. Gladys was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and aunt. She always put others before herself. Gladys was fond of all children and she adored her grandchildren Aaron and Andrea. Gladys had many nieces and nephews both on the King and Martin side of the family who all managed to visit the farm at one time or another. We will always remember the love and care she gave to her family. A service of Remembrance was held on Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. from Sallows & McDonald, Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford, Sask conducted Reverend Frances Patterson. Her niece Marilyn Clark gave the eulogy; the urn bearer was her granddaughter Andrea Matchett. The organist was Junice Headey with hymn selections Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art and The Old Rugged Cross. Special for the service was Hallelujah and I Will Remember You. The Honorary Pallbearers were all who shared in Gladys’s life. Donations may be made in memory of Gladys to the Wilkie United Church Fund, Box 66, Wilkie, Sask. Interment was in the Town of Wilkie cemetery. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Sallows and McDonald Funeral Home, North Battleford, Sask.
