In Loving Memory of 
Gladys L. 
Tufts
(nee Kempthorne)
age 92
Lovingly remembered by her husband Keith, 
son Donald (Cheryl) and daughter Linda (Wally) 
as well as their families.

Died
April 3, 2025
Boissevain Health Centre
Boissevain, Manitoba

Memorial Service
Friday, May 16, 2025
St. Paul’s United Church
Boissevain, Manitoba
2:30 pm

Donations in memory of Gladys may be made
 to Boissevain Health Centre Palliative Care Fund 
Box 899 Boissevain, MB R0K 0E0.

Gladys Louise Kempthorne was the fourth of five children, born on January 31, 1933 on S.E. Sec.
13-4-20 W. Morton: to Norman Rae Kempthorne and Lulu Mae Gouldie. She attended East
Lynne School and completed High School in Boissevain. While growing up, she participated in
the 4H Beef Club, farm chores, and school field days. She attended Brandon Business College in
1951, and carried those accounting and organizational skills with her for the rest of her life. Her
cheque-book was always balanced and her memory for birthdays and family relationships was
outstanding to the end.
She married Keith in 1952 and began a partnership with responsibility for the farm finances,
and one that would last more than 72 years. The next few decades were spent managing a
large garden, preserving the produce, and raising chickens and children, often while sewing,
quilting, and knitting in between. Canned tomatoes were a favourite of Keith’s, her apple pies
were second to none, and the ‘chicken’ cookie jar was often full. Baked treats filled her freezer,
and crab-apple or raspberry jelly was always a staple, including last year’s harvest. She helped
with combining, curled in the winter, served with the Fairfax Community Club and Minto
Forresters, and in later years participated in the Boissevain Bowling League and United Church
Thrift Store. She was also a spare bus driver for a number of years during the busy seasons. Her
quiet disposition and strong work ethic served her well. Together, Gladys and Keith enjoyed
trips with friends and relatives to various points in the USA and Canada. She was readily
available for child-minding with grandchildren living on the farm; and maintained relationships
with those in Alberta through letter-writing, telephone calls, and frequent visits throughout the
years. Among Gladys and Keith’s favourite pastimes were country drives and lifelong dancing.
They were members of the Boissevain Square Dance Club and participated in Traditional
dancing throughout south-western Manitoba.
Gladys is lovingly remembered by her husband Keith, son Donald (Cheryl) of Boissevain,
daughter Linda (Wally) of Airdrie, AB; grandchildren Erin Henderson of Portage la Prairie,
Alanna Ford (Dustin Conrad) of Calgary, AB, Derek (Pam Kerkowich) of Minto, Brett (Getze
Uscanga) of Chestermere AB, and Kelly Henry (Troy) of Coldstream BC; great grandchildren
Dillon, Gavin, and Ethan Henderson, Carter Tufts, Amelie Uscanga Prokopchuk, Charlotte Henry,
step great-granddaugher Dilynn Conrad; one sister-in-law, Jean Tufts; and many nieces and
nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; three brothers and a sister; nine brothers and
sisters-in-law; and a lifetime of community members and friends.