Gladys (Masker) Pederson

Gladys Florence Masker Pederson was born to David A. and Mary (Benson) Masker November 7, 1906, at Aton, Nebraska.  She lost her mother before she was four years old.  Her aunt, Ora Masker, came from Iowa to help raise the family.

She attended public schools in Yankton.  One of her fondest memories as a school girl was knitting socks and scarves for the soldiers in France during World War I.

Gladys married Roy E. Pederson of Gayville, South Dakota, on August 11, 1923, at Gayville.

As the Depression hit in the 1920s, and out of work, they moved to Rapid City where Roy was employed at the cement plant.  In the mid-1930s, Roy became seriously ill and was bedridden for almost three years.

Gladys worked in the kitchen of Rapid City Methodist Hospital, Warren Lamb Lumber Co., and as a sewing instructor for the government during its Depression relief work.

They moved onto a ranch south of Rapid City in 1941.  Then in 1945 bought a ranch five miles west of Creighton.  While there many a rider and traveler stopped by and could not leave without Gladys cooking them a hot meal.  She was always glad to take care of them.

After moving to Wall, she worked as a dorm mother and cook for the Wall School dormitory.  She also worked in several restaurants and the Wall Drug.  Later, in 1960, Gladys and Roy bought and operated the Wall Cafe.  After selling the cafe in 1969, Gladys worked several years as a cook in the Elkton House Restaurant.

While working with younger people she got the nickname "Granny", which she became affectionately known as by all.

Gladys enjoyed being with and helping others.  She was a member of several Extension clubs and card clubs.  As a member of the Lutheran Church and Ladies Aid, she worked tirelessly for years cutting up the pieces and making quilts for the church missionary efforts.  As a neighbor and friend she could always be counted on in time of need.

She is survived by four daughters: Natalie R. Foster of Wall, Audrey J. Harnisch of Kingman, Arizona, Kay M. Leonard of Wall, and Jo Ann Metcalf of Midland, Michigan; one son, Gordon R. Pederson of Wall; 24 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; several nieces and nephews; and hundreds of friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Lloyd, Charles, and Albert Masker; two sisters, Ruth Elliot and Evelyn Kaiser; her husband, Roy Pederson; her oldest daughter, G. Lorraine "Pete" Sisk; one grandson, Ernest William Leonard; one great-grandson, Joshua David Savre; and one great-granddaughter, Lexi Scott.

A memorial is established.

Services
Thursday, December 28, 1995
10:00 a.m.
First Lutheran Church
Wall, South Dakota

Officiating
Reverend Ray Greenseth

Music
Kathryn Clark - Organist
Tom Clark - Vocalist
"The Lord's Prayer"
"How Great Thou Art"

Ushers
Jim Pahl - Norman Eisenbraun

Active Pallbearers (All Grandsons)
Daniel Sisk - Gary Pederson
David Sisk - Carl Harnisch
Douglas Sisk - Marc Harnisch
Jeffrey Sisk - Paul Harnisch
Robert Sisk - Martin Harnisch
James Pederson - Lane Williamson
Perry Williamson

Interment
Wall Cemetery
Wall, South Dakota

Service Details

Services
Thursday, December 28, 1995
10:00 a.m.
First Lutheran Church in Wall