Partly Cloudy, 35° F
(Dec. 3, 2004)
Gladys Heasler, 80, died at the Powell Nursing Home Friday, Dec. 3.
She was born Gladys Louise Peters to Albert and Anna Peters Sept. 5, 1924, in Glendive Mont. She was the last of four children. Her parents, sister Hazel, brothers Harold "Bud" and Albert Peters preceded her in death. Her father Albert was a 32 second degree Mason and her mother an active member of the Rebekahs.
In 1928 her father moved the family to Powell when he took the job of field superintendent for the newly discovered Badger Basin oil field. He supervised the development of the field to include an onsite refinery and was instrumental in the foundation of the Resolute Oil Company.
Gladys went to grade school and high school in Powell, graduating from Powell High School in 1942. She began dating Dick Heasler in high school and married him in August of that year. Together they had four children, Richard, Patrick, Henry and Margaret. Gladys enthusiastically supported her husband in all his local political endeavors, from his years on the city council to two terms as mayor and 30 years on the hospital board.
She was a member of The League of Women Voters and was committed to the issues they supported. She put a great deal of effort into gaining national support for diabetes research. She never lost her sense of humor and for that she was best known. Her culinary talents were exceptional and she was known throughout the state as an excellent cook. One could always count on a delicious meal served with equally good jokes when visiting her home.
She will be greatly missed by her family and all who knew her. A private service will be held. Donations can be made to either Alzheimer or Diabetes research.
