Gladys L. (Dole) Friesen, 95, of Russell, Kansas, died on Monday, September 17, 2012, at the Great Bend Regional Hospital in Great Bend, Kansas.

Gladys was born on August 2, 1917, in Russell, Kansas, the daughter of Robert Grant and Margaret (Bannister) Dole.  She attended Pioneer School, grew up and spent most all her life in the Russell area.  She met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Carl C. Friesen on January 7, 1938 in Russell, Kansas.  From this union Gladys and Carl were blessed with four children Peggy, Steve, Connie and Terri.  Carl preceded her in death on February, 21, 1995.  Gladys was a full time homemaker and a longtime member with Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell and actively involved with the church circles.  She enjoyed rose gardening, sewing, baking, photography and campaigning for Bob Dole.  Most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving family include her daughter Peggy Barringer and husband Steve of Port O’Connor, Texas; son Steve Friesen and wife Karen of Bonita Springs, Florida; daughter Connie Krug and husband Monte of Russell and daughter Terri McKown and husband Ron of Valley Center, Kansas; 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; 1 step grandchild and step great grandchild.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, brothers Floyd and Doran Dole, sisters Ethel Crissman, Mildred Krumpfus and Florence Dole

Celebration of Gladys’ Life will be held at 2:30 Friday, September 21, 2012, at the Trinity United Methodist Church of Russell.  Burial will follow in the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 8 PM on Thursday, September 20, 2012, at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  The family will be present to greet friends from 6 PM to 7 PM Thursday evening.  A memorial has been established with Trinity United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these funeral arrangements.