Gladys Bernice Smatlan passed into the loving arms of Jesus Christ and all who went before her the evening of Nov. 3, 2014, while at Hospice House in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. She was surrounded by her loving family, devoted friends and neighbors.

Gladys, the youngest of four sisters, was born Nov. 10, 1913, in Schuyler, Neb., to Alfred and Josephine Stone. The family farmed and everyone worked very hard. She met Joe Smatlan at a dance and they were married on Jan. 2, 1937, in Schuyler, Neb. The next day the young newlyweds set out for Onalaska, Wash., as Joe had employment there.

The family moved several times before settling in Coeur d'Alene. The Smatlans owned Tom's Cafe on 4th Street in Coeur d'Alene, and Gladys worked many years at Midtown Variety.

Joe and Gladys moved to Juneau, Alaska, where Joe lived out his dream of being a commercial fisherman. Gladys worked at a local gift shop, making many friends and having grand adventures. Returning to Coeur d'Alene in 1983 Joe and Gladys enjoyed retirement, traveling, friends and the grandkids.

Gladys devoted her life to her family, enjoying gardening and baking. She and long time friend Sue Barber attended St. Luke's Guild, went shopping and checked on one another daily.

Gladys resided at her home until 2012, moving to Hayden to be with son Ed and wife Wendy. An adjustment for her, but with much needed support for her daily activities. A century birthday celebration on Nov. 10, 2013, brought many loved ones, friends and neighbors with laughter, stories and reminiscing. Recently, she reminded us there would be no party this year - too much work! At her passing she was seven days shy of her 101st birthday.

Although our darling Gladys will be missed terribly, we know she has been welcomed into the fold of those gone before her. Together again with Joe, her beloved husband of 60 years; her parents Alfred and Josie; sisters Edna, Elsie and Helen; great-granddaughter Heidi, and numerous longtime friends.

Gladys is survived by her children and their families: daughter, Donna Dale and husband Dave of Big Arm, Mont.; son David Dale and wife Laurie, their son Derrick Dale and fiance Catalina Perez, and infant son Maverick Paul Dale, all of Windsor, Calif., sons Erich Dale, Jim Dale and wife Irene and their children, Erich and Michelle, all of Big Arm, Mont.; son Joe Smatlan and wife JoAnne of Green Bluff, Wash., their daughter Teresa Stoddard and husband Chad, and sons Camden, Connor, Creighton and Cole, all of Bend, Ore., son Michael Smatlan and his children Hannah, Joey and Zack, all of Spokane, Wash.; son Ed Smatlan and wife Wendy of Hayden, Idaho, their daughter Erika Smatlan of Coeur d'Alene, son Greg Smatlan and wife Meghan of Salem, Ore.; nieces Delores Johnson of St. Paul, Minn., Janice Beddard of Mansfield, Ohio, and Bonita Horejsi of Schuyler, Neb.

A special thanks to Dr. Wester and staff, Crest Home Health, Hospice of North Idaho, Hospice House CDA, Lisa and Carrie who kept Gladys beautiful for so many years, neighbors and friends Jim, Cyndi, Jackie, David, Shing and Chris, and of course our St. Luke's family for prays and visitations.

A memorial service is planned for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Coeur d'Alene. Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d'Alene, is in care of the arrangements.

The family prefers memorial contributions to Hospice House, 9493 N. Government Way, Hayden, Idaho, 83835. Please visit Gladys' memorial and sign her online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.