Gladys Marie (Teichrow) Purkett

Gladys Marie (Teichrow) Purkett, 87, Soldotna, Alaska, went to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully in her sleep on Aug. 20, 2013. 

Gladys was born in Lustre, Mont., to Peter and Marie Teichrow on March 21, 1926. Gladys grew up on the family homestead in Montana with her three sisters and two brothers. On March 24, 1947, Gladys married her sweetheart, Jerome Purkett, in Havre, Mont. They were blessed with 51 wonderful years of marriage and raised three children, Jerome Dennis, Rodney Neil and Pamela Marie.

  She left a legacy of five grandchildren, Tim and Mark Purkett, Lisa Paulino Nelson, Jared Paulino and Lori Paulino Forrest;  along with four great-grandchildren, Elliana, Marina, and Finly Nelson, and Madisyn Forrest.

  She always put everyone else’s needs before her own and selflessly gave of all she had. Since moving to Alaska the second time in 2010 to live with her daughter and son-in-law, her greatest joy and sunshine in life was her great-granddaughter, Madisyn. They were buddies and spent much time together reading books, coloring, playing catch (the best granny could do) and favorite of all — playing doctor and patient. Being knowledgeable in the medical routine, Madisyn gave a very “professional” examination using her own doctor kit. These precious memories will forever be in our hearts.

She was a great cook and loved sharing meals with friends and family. She enjoyed the beautiful flowers in the summer and praised God for the spectacular beauty in Alaska with the majestic mountains, rivers and lakes.

In her last days, she was blessed with the loving care of Diane Pasquier, and Kay Gardner, who came every Friday to read to her and visit. We will be forever grateful to them for giving of their time and loving her.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome; brothers, Orville and Wally Teichrow; and sisters, Florence Reddig and Carolyn Larsen.

She is survived by her sister, Helen DeRoeck of Great Falls, Mont.; children and their spouses, Jerome (Saundra) Purkett of Santa Clarita, Calif., Rodney (Gail) Purkett of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and daughter, Pamela (Tom) Marok of Soldotna, Alaska.

Her smile and loving spirit will be greatly missed by her family and friends. We rejoice that she is no longer hurting and is singing with the angels and walking with Jesus on streets of gold.