The Life of GLADYS RAYSON FEHN
On July 5, 2009, Billie joined her husband Harry, family members and many friends in heaven. Her new home now radiates with the wonderful smells of her chocolate chip cookies, rice pudding, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy. She also took with her warm hugs and a wonderful sense of humor. Billie was born January 30, 1921 in a hotel in Kitscoty, Alberta, Canada. Always proud of her Canadian heritage, she would make yearly visits to her home of Paradise Valley (a thriving community of 150) to visit family and friends. To her, Canada was "God's Country". Billie raised three children, Gerry (Marjorie Ann), Margaret, and Bruce (Marilyn) to whom she taught that life is rich, beauty is everywhere, every personal connection has meaning, and that laughter is life's sweetest creation. These teachings were passed on to her grandchildren, Andy (Sheila) Fehn, Chris Fehn, Amy (Matt) Parkinson and Owen (Evelyn) Hayes who are now passing it on to her great grandchildren, Chloe, Sophie and Olivia Fehn, and Luke and Sam Parkinson. She also had numerous "adopted" children whom she loved, cherished and cared deeply for. To Billie, you were not just friends, you were "family" and she treated all those who entered her life in that way. She will especially be remembered by two special friends, Larry Anderson and Anne Wheaton. Billie's burial will be held 2 p.m. Friday, July 10, 2009 at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery followed by Memorial Services of love and joy, remembrances and of course hugs, at 3:00 PM at Grand View Lutheran Church, East 13th and Hull. Family will greet friends from 5 – 7 pm Thursday, July 9, 2009 at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave., Des Moines, Iowa. In lieu of flowers please honor Billie's memory with a contribution to Friends of Iowa Public Television, On With Life Foundation, Taylor House or Grandview Lutheran Church.
