Gladys Symington

L. Gladys Symington was born October 15, 1924 near Pembina, ND to Otto and Mildred (Saiger) Winkler. She attended Neche Schools, graduating in1942, and Mayville State Teacher’s College. On May 28, 1943, she married Garnet Symington in Harlingen, Texas where he was first stationed during military service. After his discharge in 1945, they made their home on the family farm at Neche.

Gladys was devoted to family, friends, and faith. She always supported her husband and sons and was involved in their many activities: 4-H and scouting programs, PTA, church groups, sports and music. She saw the importance of community, leadership, and commitment, and was a member of many organizations. She held officer positions numerous times through the years: Church Council, Superintendent of Sunday Schools, United Methodist Women; American Legion Auxiliary and Republican Women; Order of Eastern Star (Worthy Matron).

With an interest in local history, Gladys co-edited Proudly We Speak, Vol. I, wrote and compiled histories of the Neche Farmer’s Union Oil Co., the Neche United Methodist Church, and the Saiger family. She spent many hours at her dining room table writing letters and keeping journals, which she read in her later years and wondered how she ever found the time and energy to do all the things she did!

She took pride in her home, loved the house that she and Garnet built in Neche, enjoyed entertaining, working in the yard, and tending her gardens. She moved to Wedgewood Manor in Cavalier following shoulder replacement surgery in 2016 and was well cared for by the wonderful staff.

She is survived by her sons and their families: Garnet (Kathleen) Macon, MO, Bud, Neche, Brad (Theresa) of Neche, and Don, Ft. Pierce, FL.; grandchildren: Chad (Afton) Symington, Nathan and Madison Symington, Todd Williams, Tamy (Corey) Brown; seven great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Joyce McGuiggan, Jim (Phyllis) Winkler, Louise Menke, and sister-in-law Shirley Homme.

Preceding her in death were her parents, loving husband Garnet, daughter-in-law, Vicki, brothers George and Bob, foster sister, Betty Ann Wagner, brothers-in-law, Mandy McGuiggan and Elmer Menke, sister-in-law, Pidge (Merl) Tesmer, niece Bobbie Menke and nephew Bob McGuiggan.

Gladys Symington, 94, formerly of Neche, ND, passed away May 14, 2019 at Wedgewood Manor, Cavalier, ND.

Funeral service will be held Monday, May 20, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Trinity United Methodist Church, Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Sunday, May 19th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 19th from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home, Cavalier, ND.