Gladys May Leist

Gladys May Leist, age 83, of Rochester, MN, died Saturday, August 27, 2011 at Samaritan Bethany Home in Rochester, Minnesota. Gladys was born March 19, 1928 in Franklin County, Iowa to Ellis & Lizzie (Carter) Markham.She married George A. Leist on November 16, 1947 in Rowan, Iowa where they made their home several years before coming to the Hayfield and Rochester area.Until the early 1960's George and Gladys owned and operated the Hilltop Cafe in Rowan, Iowa.They then moved to southeastern MN and she pursued a nursing career as an LPN working 20+ years for the Rochester State Hospital, after it closed she worked 10 years as a Home Health Nurse.After her retirement from Nursing she worked as a crossing guard at Riverside Elementary School.She enjoyed baking, gardening, and her flowers, she loved visiting family and friends on Sunday afternoons, and always left a surprise prank for you if she found you not at home.Her family was very important to her, and she loved being around her grandchildren and great grandchildren.She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Douglas. She is survived by her three children, Michael Leist (wife Thiep) of Indianapolis, IN; Elizabeth Liz Donaldson (husband James) of Oronoco, MN; and Patty Murray (husband David) of Dayton, IA. Six grandchildren: Michael Leist Jr. (wife Carrie), Rose Lewis (husband Wayne), Christina and Casey Murray, James and Timothy Donaldson; Four great grandchildren: Jacquelynn & Nelson Lewis and Aidan & Austin Leist.One brother, Donald Markham (Joyce) of Belmond, IA and one sister, Eleanor Larick of Osage, IA.She was preceded in death by her husband George, and a brother, Frederick Markham, and a sister, Maurine Peters.. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, August 30, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Ranfranz & Vine Funeral Home Rochester, MN with Pastor Jean Boese officiating.A visitation will be held Tuesday one hourprior to services at the funeral home.Burial in Fairview Cemetery in Hayfield, MN.Memorials appreciated to Samaritan Bethany Home. Online condolences can me made at www.ranfranzandvinefh.com Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, 5421 Royal Place NW, Rochester, MN55901 (507) 289-3600