Gladys Mae Pomrenke, age 92, passed away September 24, 2023, at the Edgewood Missoula Memory Care facility with family by her side. Gladys was born in Grant County, SD to Edna Christensen and Ernest Wartenbee on May 9, 1931, joining her sister Shirley. While farming on different farms in Grant County, SD, the family expanded with the addition of a brother Melvin and a sister Beverly. She attended small multi-grade country schools in Grant County, SD. The distance she had to walk to school changed with each move to different farms. She attended one year of high school in Summit, SD, by working for her room and board at a motel doing dishes, housekeeping and laundry. The next year she could not attend because her family could no longer afford to pay for both Shirley and Gladys to attend high school.

Gladys met Herman Pomrenke at her family's farm when he came to visit his brother, Rudolf, who was working for her Dad. They were married on November 26, 1948, in Webster, SD. The early years of their marriage were spent farming near Summit, SD. The four oldest children Donald, Calvin, Marlys and Virginia were born during those years. In 1955 they moved their young family to Milltown, MT. Two more daughters, Judy and Karla, were born in Missoula, MT. The youngest child Verna was born at the farm of Ernest and Edna Wartenbee while the family was visiting to attend the wedding of Gladys's youngest sister, Beverly.

They moved their family to Plains, MT, in 1965 and to Thompson Falls, MT, in 1969. In 1972 they returned to their home in Milltown, MT. Gladys and Herman divorced in 1985. Gladys remained in the Milltown, MT home until 6 weeks prior to death.

Her hobbies and activities included sewing, quilting, baking and caring for children. Her children and grandchildren are still enjoying the "fruit of her labor". She was a Foster Grandparent at Bonner Grade School for more than 20 years.

Gladys was predeceased in death by her parents, sister Shirley Dukowitz, brother-in-law John Dukowitz, sister-in-law Frances Wartenbee, great-granddaughter Tabitha Duckworth and ex-husband Herman Pomrenke.

Gladys is survived by her siblings Melvin Wartenbee and Beverly (Earl) Young; children Donald (Michael) Pomrenke, Calvin (Juanita Triplett) Pomrenke, Marlys Wood, Virginia Pomrenke, Judy Johnson, Karla Pomrenke and Verna Kuntz. Gladys is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Gladys is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

No services will be held per her wishes. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.