Obituary: Gladys Morlock

Gladys Morlock

Gladys Morlock, age 100½, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Center, Park River, N.D.

Gladys Pearl Reutter was born June 19, 1923, in Wells County in her parents' home at Chaseley, N.D., the daughter of Barney and Addie Pearl (Basset) Reutter and was the tenth of thirteen children. Gladys attended grade school and high school in Chaseley and Hurdsfield, N.D.

On May 26, 1944, Gladys was united in marriage to Harold Morlock of Heaton, N.D., at the Concordia Lutheran Church in Fessenden, N.D. That same year, when Harold was called into the US Army at Camp Roberts, Gladys accompanied him where they lived in San Luis Obispo, California.

After Harold's discharge in August 1946, Harold and Gladys moved back to N.D., where they spent most of their lives ranching and farming in Johnson Township, south of Heaton, N.D. In 1993, they semi-retired and moved to Carrington, N.D., while still working some at their ranch.

After Harold passed away on January 15, 2002, Gladys continued living in Carrington until January 2016 at which time she moved to Park River. In December 2016, she moved into the Good Samaritan Nursing Home in Park River.

Gladys was a faithful woman who loved the Lord. She was entered into the Evangelical Church Cradle Roll on April 23, 1924. In the summer of 1941, at 18 years of age, she was baptized at in the James River at Harvey, N.D., by a Church of God Minister and in November 1949, she was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sykeston, N.D.

Gladys had a longtime membership and affiliation with the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church at both St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Sykeston, N.D., and Grace Lutheran Church, Carrington, N.D. She was an LWML member for over 60 years, serving in numerous official capacities such as President, VP, Secretary, Treasurer, committee coordinator, conference delegate, etc. Gladys also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many, many years.

Most important in Gladys' life were all the special moments and memories of times spent with her "dear to her heart" family and friends, as well as her unwavering faith, trust, and love of her Lord. An example of her love for her family became most evident when any prospective in-law was told by Gladys, "You better treat my dear loved one right or you'll have to deal with me."

Gladys was a strong and sometimes feisty, resolute, savvy, dignified, kind, caring, and wise woman with many talents and much creativity, which allowed her to accomplish and overcome almost anything.

Gladys' many exceptional talents, especially her cooking, baking, and decorating abilities, made so many people happy over the years. Gladys also enjoyed flowers, gardening, reading, listening to and enjoying music, and later in her life she enjoyed watching the birds and her favorite little red squirrel at the feeders outside the window of her room at Good Sam nursing home.

Even while COVID changed all our lives so much and when visitors were no longer allowed into nursing homes over the years, she remained positive and would say "It could be worse." -or- "It will get better soon." Throughout that whole time, she remained optimistic and upbeat, never once losing her quick wit, nor keen sense of humor and always keeping that sweet kind smile, even during her own battle and difficult recovery from COVID.

Gladys and Harold were blessed with three children, each of whom survive her: Wanda (Greg) Chyle of Park River, N.D., Rodney (Cindy) Morlock of Fargo, N.D., and Kathie Rocheleau of Rugby, N.D. Gladys is also survived by five grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren: Heidi (Chris) Eckart, Addi (Andrew) Jahnke, Adyn and Grady; Jamie Morlock; Mistie (Jason) Holland, Emery, Easton and Anisen; Jill (Ryan) Rood, Nolan, Keira and Rowen; Tami Jo (Tom) Maus, Millicent, Marcella and Monroe; and Cody Chyle.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents; her siblings: Edith, Ruth, Bert, Elmer, Lawrence, Lydia (Mae), Grayce, Helen, Walter, Alfred, Iva Jean, and Allen; and two sons-in-law: Jack Duis and Jerry Rocheleau.

Glady's wishes are that no funeral-related services be held, instead just remember her and her long, wonderful life.

A private graveside service will be held at the Carrington Cemetery.

Memorial donations are not necessary.... but anyone wishing to do so, may make them to the Good Samaritan Nursing Home of Park River, N.D.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.