Gloria Ione Shanks, age 87, passed away on Thursday, June 20, 2019, in Roundup, Montana of natural causes.
Gloria was born on July 25, 1931, in Bainville, Montana, the daughter of Leo and Gladys Robinson. She was the oldest of four children. She was raised on a farm outside of Bainville and graduated from Bainville High School in 1949. On October 21, 1950 she married Frank Eugene Shanks at the Bainville Lutheran Church. In the early 1950s, they moved to their forever home on 11th Avenue North in Glasgow, Montana.
During her life she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Gloria was an amazing and talented knitter. She loved being a housewife, mother and also a babysitter for many youngsters in Glasgow. She was lovingly referred to as “Tia” by many. She was also known as “Hugging Grandma”, Kissy Gram” or “Grandma Smooches” by our friends and her grandkids’ friends. She and Frank enjoyed boating, traveling in their motorhome, antiquing, and visiting with family and friends. She was often seen walking all over the town of Glasgow with her life-long friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Leo and Gladys; her brothers: Robert and Edward, her husband: Frank; and her grandson Dylan.
Survivors include sister, Sharon Rudolph of Bainville, MT; son, Frank (Jan) Shanks of Red Lodge, MT; daughter, Melodie (Jim) Lind of Polson, MT; son, Leo (Laurie) Shanks of Roundup, MT; and grandchildren: Paige (Rebecca) Shanks of Dillion, MT, Mason (Jami) Shanks of Billings, MT, Kyle (Candice) Lind of Yulee, FL, Erin (Jenn) Lind of Palm Desert, CA; Scott (Erica) Lind of Missoula, MT, Ryan Shanks of Helena, MT, Jake Shanks of Roundup, MT, Eric Shanks of Gillette, WY, and Joel Shanks of Billings, MT; four great-grandchildren: Noah, Haydon, Porter and Pryor; and a very special nephew, Denny Shanks of Nashua, MT.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 13th at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow. A graveside service will follow at the Highland Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to our family at bellmortuarymontana.com
We know that she is over the moon to be back with Gramp. Can’t imagine how many hugs he got! Gram, you are loved and you will be missed. Peace be with you!
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday July 13, 2019
First Lutheran Church
641 2nd Ave. No.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Saturday July 13, 2019
First Lutheran Church
641 2nd Ave. No.
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Victoria Ellison says
Gloria was a one of a kind cousin to me. I have so many memories of her. I always knew when she and Frank were going out for a special evening. She would wear this fragrance called Evening in Paris. To this day, I love this fragrance. Also, Gloria was the best letter writer ever!! My mother and I would LOVE getting her letters, or should I say a short novel. She loved writing about her children, their children and their accomplishments. She was always writing about the sports games she attended and how proud she was of them. Gloria was special and she will be missed. Gloria, you and Frank are now together. You are now truly home.
Debra J Roel says
To all the family members of Gloria,
We are so sorry to hear about Gloria and know she will be missed greatly by many. I have wonderful memories of times in Montana with the Robinson family and enjoyed the many times Gloria was able to come to Williston to visit Mom, Verna – she always loved seeing her “Montana family”! May cherished memories surround you all and comfort you during this difficult time. We send our love and prayers to one and all as you celebrate her life.
Deb and Jeff Roel
Kyla Davis says
So many memories of Gloria. She was a great lady. My prayer for all of you. Kyla
Janice Shanks says
Tia was like the Grandma Shanks our girls never knew, besides Uncle (As we called Frank) and Tia babysat our oldest daughter, Janelle until she started school. Sadly they moved to Havre for a few years, so Jayme didn’t know them as well. They both were VERY special to our family.
Kirk Robinson says
Guys I haven’t saw any of you in years which is a shame but know you have my sympathy and prayers Gloria is in a much better place with no pain or suffering …….. I have so many memories from my youth always stopping to visit on our way to Bainville and Williston and the when her and Frank would come through on one of there adventure she was always so nice .
Bonnie Tuttle says
Haven’t seen Gloria for so long, she will be missed. Miss the Christmas letters she always wrote, she loved keeping in contact with family. I remember when Mike Pacovsky was going to introduce us for the first time. He told me that she loves to kiss and hug, but then I don’t mind. I loved Gloria & Frank, so fun to be around.
Ed Robinson says
Gloria is one of a kind. Seems like Frank and Gloria showed up for a visit everywhere we lived and believe me that took some doing. It was always great receiving one of her tremendous letters. She covered everything happening and then some. So many stories, so much fun. The best was when she kidnapped Uncle Leo and hauled him off to Washington. They took him for a little ride in the Winnebago, sat him at the table with a beer and headed for Washington. He got suspicious after a while but they kept going. They stopped at the folks place in Havre on the way and he was madder than a hornet. He did finally cool off and went on with the trip still complaining about being kidnapped.
Everyone loved her and she certainly deserved it. We’ll miss her a bunch but she’s waited a long time for a blessed reunion with Frank.