She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Frank; stepson, Frankie; grandson, Bret Osborn; brothers, Cleve and Cleo; and sisters, Florence and Sylvia.

She is survived by brothers, J.D. and Curtis Minks, and sister, Betty, all of Higginsville, Mo.; sister, Goldie Fleury of Salina; stepson, Roger; sons, Charles and Dennis of Ore., and Gary, Bill and Ronny of Salina; daughters, Barbara Osborn of Burbank, Calif., and Darlene Nelson of Salem, Ore.; 21 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

After raising seven children in Bavaria, in the ’50s, Frank and Marie moved their family to Oregon where Marie, as a nurse’s aide, cared for the elderly and handicapped for 25 years. Following Frank’s death in 1980, Marie returned to Kansas. Marie loved music, especially country music and old-time gospel music. She attended Emmanuel Four Square Church in Salina.

She often said her biggest success and pride of life was her family, her children and grandchildren. She was their biggest fan and supporter, whether it involved signs appearing all over the state, musical performances, sports activities, new homes built or simply having her family together to enjoy each others’ stories and laughter. She was right in the middle of it all, enjoying it the most. She loved the family reunions. At the 2004 reunion, she, along with four of her sons, were honored by Ted Kulongoski, governor of the state of Oregon, for having been the only mother to send four boys, living in Oregon, to the war in Vietnam.

She endured much and enjoyed much. Whether it was the lighter things of life or the inevitable harshness, she revealed pride in each accomplishment and a never-failing faith in times of trial. She believed in God, and she believed in her family.

She became ill and was in the hospital during our most recent reunion, but thankfully, all her children and many others were here with her as she passed on.

In this life, we are all destined to leave a legacy, good or bad. Prov. 31 describes a worthy woman. One who leaves a legacy of love, strength and hope. All who knew her know that it describes Marie Gleason. Words cannot adequately express the amazing love and pride her family feels toward her. She was truly a worthy woman to her family, and we do indeed rise up and bless her.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth, Salina, KS 67401, where family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 8, 2008, at the mortuary, with the Rev. Loren Houltberg officiating. Interment will be in Gypsum Hill Cemetery, 2020 E. Iron, Salina, KS 67401.

Memorials are suggested to the Saline County Disabled Veterans or a charity of the donor’s choice, in care of the mortuary.