Gladys Merwin, long-time resident of Hettinger, ND, passed from this life on May 23, 2024, at her home in Spearfish, SD.

Gladys Lorraine Johnson was born on August 20, 1924 in Westby, Montana to Alfred and Jennie (Magnusson) Johnson.  After graduating from high school, Gladys went out west to work at Boeing during the War. There she met her future husband, Dan Merwin.  From this union were born Joan, Dennis, and Arlene.  The couple spent the remainder of their lives building a loving home and working on the farm they purchased north of Hettinger.

Gladys never knew an idle moment. During winter months she would help her "Buddy" tend cattle; in summer she would put up hay.  She was an expert at running the small square baler and accumulator.  In the fall she would can countless jars of vegetables, fruits, and meats.  She was a volunteer at Hettinger Lutheran Church working in the kitchen or making quilts.  In summer their yard was ablaze with countless flowers.   Of course not far from her side was Dan, who'd be pulling weeds, cleaning up baking dishes or hauling canned goods to storage in the basement.

Gladys' passions were numerous. She thrived on anything to do with farm/ranch life.  Her idea of the perfect vacation was loading their fifth wheel and boat and heading to Saskatchewan to fish.  (She usually caught the biggest walleye) One wasn't in her home long before Gladys was pouring coffee, cutting brownies, and getting out the Pinochle deck.  No contractor, veterinarian nor neighbor could leave her house without staying for a grand meal of meat, potatoes and gravy, homemade bread, and pie.

But above all, Gladys lived for her family.  And they adored her.

Gladys is survived by daughter, Arlene (Jerry) Araujo, Surprise AZ; grandsons Steven Johnson, Williston ND, and Tony (Heidi Thormodsgard) Johnson; and great-granddaughters Liv, Emme, and Isla Johnson of Spearfish SD.

A celebration of life will be held in Hettinger at a later date.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com