Gladys Irene Ahart

Gladys Irene Ahart was born on July 19, 1927 in Denison, Iowa to Raymond and Nellie (Demey) Porter. She lived a full, remarkable life surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She peacefully passed away on March 3, 2025, at Gracewell in Denison, Iowa at the age of 97 years, 7 months and 11 days.

Gladys grew up in Denison, attending St. Rose of Lima School for 1st-8th grade. She graduated from Denison High School in 1945, and subsequently from St. Catherine’s School of Nursing (Omaha) in 1948. She was proud to be the final living classmate from both her high school class and nursing program.

Gladys was united in marriage to her beloved husband, Gerald Ahart on June 3, 1950. He preceded her in death on November 20, 1991. Together, they were blessed with nine children: Daniel, Jean, Mark, Joel, Neal, Ned, Mary, Alan and Jon. Gladys and Gerald shared an adventurous spirit. They loved nothing more than loading up the kids and taking off on an adventure, sharing experiences that left lasting memories.

Gladys had a gift for making everyone feel special and cherished. Her life was full of love, laughter, and the joy she brought to or shared with others. She was known for her strength, as a cancer survivor of over 50 years. She had a deep love for her community and her faith, serving with the St. Rose of Lima Legion of Mary, the St. Rose of Lima Ladies Guild, as a Prayer Partner, and in various other roles within her church. She drew her strength from her faith and that never wavered. She was a dedicated volunteer within her community as a member of the Crawford County Hospital Auxillary, a Board member of TeleCare, an active member of the American Cancer Society since 1953, a Crawford County Hospice volunteer, and resident advocate for the Denison Care Center.

Gladys also enjoyed the simple joys of life, like playing cards with her card club and sharing laughter, and wine, with friends. She had a knack for making holidays special. Her Rice Krispies cake with holiday M&M’s, and birthday cards adorned with stickers were some of the many ways she showed her love. Her holiday meals were always filled with love and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and her home was where memories were made and shared for generations. She was known affectionately by her grandkids and great grandkids as "GG" or "Grandma HooHoo”

She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, as well as her sister Mary Kregness. She is survived by her children: Dan (Pat) Ahart (Denison IA), Jean Ahart (Auburn IA), Mark (Kris) Ahart (Enumclaw WA), Joel Ahart (Odebolt IA), Neal Ahart (Denison IA), Ned Ahart (Denison IA), Mary (David) Bilsten (Denison IA), Alan (Cindy) Ahart (Denison IA) and Jon (Mari Beth) Ahart (Kasson MN); 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Gladys is also survived by special friends, Debbie Ahart Muhlbauer and the Kregness and Koester kids, who were cherished in her life. She was also a dear friend to many others and will be remembered for the love she shared with all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, March 22nd at 11:30 AM at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Denison. The rosary will be recited at 9:00 AM, with family receiving friends from 9:20 AM-11:30 AM.

Gladys lived by the Ethics of Life:

Before you pray - Believe

Before you speak - Listen

Before you spend - Earn

Before you write - Think

Before you quit - Try

Before you die - Live

Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.