1929-2025

Lela Rose Glade, 95, daughter of Walter and Lena Hambleton, was born Dec. 1, 1929, in Guthrie County. She entered her heavenly home on Saturday April 19, 2025, at the New Homestead Care Facility, where she had resided since January of 2025.

She graduated from Guthrie County High School in 1947. She attended one semester at Simpson College and returned home to teach at one-room school houses, including the Seely No. 5 country school. This was where her dad made sure he was farming with his Oliver 70 next to the school so he could stop to see and talk with her while recess occurred and he could eat his lunch.

Rose grew up in Guthrie County, enjoying life on the farm where they had apple trees, big gardens, pigs, chickens, cats, dogs and two work horses named “Mag” and “Cease.” Tethered together, one relied on the other. The blind one was the strongest, and the other led them to do the work.

As a young girl, Rose said she went barefoot nearly all the time, stating, “I only wore shoes to school and to special occasions.” She truly enjoyed sharing her love for animals such as cows, sheep and birds with her family, especially with her grandchildren.

Rose and Gene dated before our dad went off to war, later marrying in 1950, a little after Eugene’s honorable discharge after serving two years in the Army in the Pacific during WW2. In 1951, they were blessed with the arrival of young baby, Ronald Eugene (wife Becky). A bit later, Nita (in Texas) our adopted sister grew up in the family as well, for a few memorable years. Then Randy (wife Dixie) was born, then Tom (wife Jan) and daughter Joanne (husband Jerry), then Dennis (wife Sandra), and then one more named Larry (wife Samantha). Now since, there are several grandkids.

Rose and Gene rented farms near Guthrie, Yale and Panora and created many fond memories. Farming became a way of life, and many stories ensued. While Dad was farming, Mom was by his side — or milking cows, or feeding pigs, or taking care of the chickens, ducks, the dog and lots and lots of cats. She did whatever needed done while caring for her family.

They enjoyed traveling to Hawaii, the Bahamas, New York and other places through Vigortone Feed sales awards promotions, the Mid-America Dairyman’s Association, Archer Oil and more. Mom went to Alaska with Grandma Lena once, and once Dad, Mom, Dennis and I (Larry) drove on a 14-day adventure across Canada to Alaska. And she went at least two more times with Dad driving up the Al-Can Highway with other family members. Yes! They enjoyed traveling across the U.S. with us kids as well. She also participated and enjoyed being with my dad as he promoted collecting, displaying and parading antique tractors.

Visiting and working at her parents Goldmine Apple Orchard was always a wonderful family event. She helped all of us to retain great memories of the orchard as well. She loved her parents and siblings and always carried their fond memories as long as she lived on this earth.

In 1961, they moved to the farm where brother Randy and his wife, Dixie, currently reside. In addition to being a farm wife, and a mom to all us kids, at the age of 54 she graduated from DMACC with her degree in nursing as an RN. Later, she became a surgical nurse and then took on the duties as Infectious Disease Controller of the Guthrie County Hospital. She was always busy. Even as the children grew, she continued serving her community as a nurse, a mom and more. If you asked her if working at the hospital was hard work, she would jokingly say, “I work at the hospital to get away from the hard work at the farm.” She even retired twice from the hospital because they had called her back for a few more years, until the age of 74.

Soon after that, our dad passed away, she moved to Panora to a house that felt just like home. She had a love of art and music. Many of her children and grandchildren enjoyed visiting during the week to eat cookies and experience her great cooking. During the holidays, all enjoyed the loving atmosphere. If you went away hungry from her house, it was your fault!

At the age of 90, she said she didn’t think she should drive anymore. She knew something was changing. COVID hit and created an obstacle that many had to maneuver through. It was hard on her and others. As her dementia progressed, we saw pieces of her thinking and abilities slip away. But, through the tremendous support of family members, relatives and friends, she was able to be cared for in her own home until January of 2025.

Due to illness, she was hospitalized and then placed in the New Homestead Care Facility where she resided until her death at the age of 95 on April 19, 2025. She will be missed but not forgotten. As a Christian, we will see her again, returning in the Triumph of our Lord. Amen!

She was preceded in death by husband, Eugene C. Glade; a great granddaughter, Capri Jill; parents, Walter and Lena Hambleton; brothers, Dan, Dar, John and Doug; and sisters, Neva, Hope and Mary.