Gladys Beatrice Johnson

Gladys Beatrice Anderson was born on July 30, 1922, in Round Rock, to parents Ernest and Mancie Anderson. She was the youngest of the three daughters.   Gladys was raised on a dairy farm and helped her dad deliver milk on the way to school in the mornings.  Gladys attended Round Rock public schools and graduated in 1941.  She also attended Palm Valley Lutheran Church where she was baptized and confirmed.  She was a member of the Luther League and Mrs. Bloom’s church choir.  She married Ernest Nelson Johnson on October 14, 1942, before he left to serve in the army in World War II.   Together, they bought a farm on Gattis School Road in Round Rock, and in 1985, moved to San Gabriel, near Thorndale.  Gladys was a homemaker and devoted her life to raising their six children.  She led by example instilling in her children the importance of hard work and practicing their faith.

Gladys was a people person.   She enjoyed attending high school class reunions, family reunions, working at auctions, and hosting birthday and holiday gatherings with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Most of all, she enjoyed a good game of dominoes, especially on Sunday afternoons at her kitchen table.

Gladys, or “Granny” as she was most often called, was a wonderful baker and made delicious homemade Swedish molasses bread.  Her sugar and oatmeal cookies were one of a kind and a favorite among her children and grandchildren.  Granny always had a beautiful vegetable garden and row of fruit trees which kept her very busy.  She enjoyed making quilts for graduating grandkids, reading, and playing the piano.  She was very giving to others.

Throughout her life, she volunteered at church leading the Sunday school opening, attending the Women’s bible study, quilting, making cookies for funerals and bible school, singing solos at services, and attending as many worship services as she was able.

She was called to her heavenly home on May 11, 2024, at the age of 101 years.  Her parents, sisters Thelma Munson and Laura Homeyer, sister-in-law June Johnson, brothers-in-law, Dudley Homeyer, Wilbur Munson, J. B. Johnson, Buzzy Keller, husband Ernest, daughter, Nanette Ellis, sons-in-law, Wayne Baxter and Bob Paulsen, grandson, Jay Ellis, and granddaughter, Sandy Trussell preceded her in death.  She is survived by her sister-in-law, Bertha Marie Keller; son-in-law, Howard Ellis; son, Harvey Johnson (wife Phyllis); daughter, Ann Paulsen; son, Buddy Johnson (wife Marilyn); daughter, Jayne Baxter; daughter, Pam Dishberger (husband Gary), 15 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. John Lutheran Church, Thorndale, Palm Valley Lutheran Church, Round Rock, or a church of your choice.  Visitation will be at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor on May 23 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. with funeral services at Palm Valley Lutheran Church and burial in the Palm Valley Lutheran Cemetery on May 24 at 10:00 a.m.  A reception will follow in the church hall.