Gloria Busse, 99 years old, passed away September 8, 2023 at Conroy Care in Circle, Montan with her family by her side. She was born December 26, 1923 in Glasgow, Montana. Her parents were David (Prince) and Helen Zick Anderson. She lived in McCone County all of her life. As a child, she rode horseback to attend Pasture Creek school. To attend high school in Frazer she and her dad would ride horses to the Missouri River where he rowed them across the river to drop her off to walk to the dorm.
After college, she began teaching at Turner Country school and would end her career at Highland Country school. She used her teaching degree to influence children in the schools and community throughout her life. Her teaching career played a significant role in her future. While working at the Turner school she stayed at the CK Ranch and walked back and forth each day. One day while walking home from school, a local farmer, named Bill Busse asked her if she’d like a ride. The ride she received from the young farmer, ended in marriage.
She and William (Bill) Busse were married on June 13, 1945 at the First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point, Montana. She and Bill lived and farmed in the Prairie Elk community for 50 years at which time they retired and moved into Circle. They enjoyed traveling and socializing with friends at local dances and were avid pinochle players. Sporting events were a passion. All games of every sport, including tournaments, were faithfully attended. After Bill’s passing, Gloria continued their tradition of attending games. She would be recognized as Montana High School Associations Fan of the Year.
She was a 4-H leader, a charter member of the Prairie Elk Homemakers Club, a board member of the 100 Club for several years, a member of Circle Senior Center where she enjoyed playing pinochle and a good round of Bingo.
She enjoyed a good joke and especially one on herself. Her manner was straightforward and she always was ready to give advice or an encouraging word. Her grandchildren and Circle School children were her loves. They were all referred to as either, “My girl” or “My boy!” Her own children would be surprised at the extent their family had grown. She rarely missed music festivals, ball games, concerts or other activities. People were always welcomed to her home and she believed in “breaking bread together” so coffee and food were always forth coming. She often joked about making more coffee than anyone in Circle.
To Bill and Gloria’s union came three children. George (Yvonne) Busse, Bighorn, WY, Helen (Edward) DeGabain, Cheyenne, WY and Lila (Jerry) Beard, Belgrade, MT.
She was preceded in death be her husband, Bill, her parents David (Prince) and Helen Anderson, her sister Dorothy Malcolm. She is survived by her three children, 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her children are honored to carry on the legacy she has handed down.
Dave and Rachel McCloy says
Our deepest sympathy to all of Gloria’s family. So many memories of Bill and Gloria that we treasure and honored to have been a part in the lives of these special friends. ❤️
Larry and Sheri Schmidt says
To Gloria’s family our deepest sympathy. She was one of a kind and will be so missed. As a member of the church she encouraged so many, myself included. I loved her and will treasure my thoughts of her.
Laura Wittenberg says
To Gloria’s Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you. She was a wonderful, kind and caring lady. I enjoyed visiting with her and enjoyed so much the times she invited me over for lunch or coffee and pie. I was invited to a card party and enjoyed it so much. She was such a gracious host. May God surround you with His love and peace.
Jessica (Schmidt) Bradley says
So sorry to hear of Gloria’s passing. Prayers for God’s peace to her family at this difficult time. She was a true blessing to our community and will always remember her “sneaking” candy to me in church when I was little and got a little to rambunctious. And when I was grown and brought my babies to church and they were crying, I was getting up to leave once and she told me “stay, a little fussing isn’t bothering anyone”. She touched my life and many others during her time on earth and is no doubt sitting in heaven watching over us all. ♥️
Bonnie Quinnell says
So very sorry to hear of Gloria’s passing. My sincere sympathy to her family and friends. Bonnie (Schriver) Quinnell
Kathy Aakre-Ruddy says
Such a sweet lady that was a truly humble servant of God. She was a friend of my Mom and Dad and so extremely nice to everyone I can remember. My condolences to her family and all that loved her. She was such a a nice lady. Rest in Peace sweet lady.
Darlene Cochran says
Sending hugs to this beautiful family. Aunt Gloria lived a wonderful life with a great family of support. Rest in peace with that beautiful guy of yours.
The Cochran Family
Patsy Kuntz says
To all of Gloria’s children, she was a wonderful woman, always loved Visiting with her when we would go back to Circle. She was a great mentor to many. She lived a good life, was always gentle.
Lynn & Sherry Gaer says
We are so sorry to hear about your mom. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. 🙏🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️❤️
Nancy Hilstad says
Wonderful memories of Gloria while we were Circle. Such a gracious lady. My condolences to her family
Charlotte Jay says
I am so sorry for your loss. I know you have wonderful memories based on the beautiful tribute in her obituary. Lots of love and prayers. Charlotte, David and Blaise Jay
Lyla & Greg Folkins says
To Gloria’s wonderful family & community:
May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus! She will be hearing you sing🎶
Colette Christensen says
We were honored to meet and visit your mom while she was at Conroy- and experienced first hand all her wonderful wit and sense of humor and her practical life advice.
So sorry for your loss.
Ken & Bonnie Nelson says
Oh Gloria, you will be missed so much, loved our time together, you were so wonderful and I will miss you so
Beverly Grotte Evans says
Your mom was a wonderful lady she always remembered me we were at your home when we were much younger she will be missed by everyone
Martha Boyce says
To All of Gloria’s family–I’m so sorry to hear of Gloria’s passing, but at 99 years, what a wonderful long life. We always looked forward to her visits when she and Dee would reminisce and share stories. RIP Gloria and may God give peace to her family. Hugs and prayers.
Debra Rugh says
To my Beautiful & Most Special Cousins…George, Helen & Lila…..
When there are no words, there are always Hugs…sending 3 your way!!❤❤❤
Diane Ligon (Shamley) says
George, Helen, and Lila, and all your families,
I’m so sorry to hear about your Mom, Grandma, and G-Grandma. The stories you have to tell about what a wonderful person she was. I have such fond memories of growing up out there on Prairie Elk, all the card parties, dances, school doings, 4-H, etc. with all of you. May you cherish all your memories, knowing Gloria is now with Jesus.
JoLynn FitzSimmons says
I am so sorry to hear Gloria had passed away. I remember going back to Circle and going with mom for coffee with the “ladies”. Every morning mom would get a call from Gloria and the two of them would discuss the crossword puzzle for that day. Gloria was amazing and will be missed by so many. 🙏🙏🙏
Judy (Hawkinson) Fuchs says
To Gloria’s family goes my sincere condolences . Gloria and I were very special friends and put on many many miles following the Wildcats. She was a kind, generous, lovely lady and will be missed. RIP
Ellen Hart says
I am so very sorry for the loss of your Mom, Grandma and G Grandma. I have fond memories of her in my high school years and after
Denise (Strand) Stambaugh says
Sending hugs and loves to all of Gloria’s family and friends. It was so nice to visit with her at Conroy’s when my mom was staying there. May she rest in peace.
Bruce Wright says
George,Helen,Lila and families
Thoughts, prayers, and hugs to all of you at your goodby time. A great loss but also a privilege to mourn a live so long and fully lived. God’s blessings on you all.
“Nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.” Lucy Maud Montgomery
Ann kniepkamp says
So sorry I wasn’t able to be there. She meant a lot to our family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
Ann kniepkamp says
So sorry I wasn’t able to be there. She meant a lot to our family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Nothing better than hearing her giggle!
Robin and Dennis Trudell says
So sorry for your loss. We knew Gloria from the horseshoe days. What a gracious lady she was. We were blessed to have known her.Peace be with you all.
Arlie Gordon says
George, Helen and Lila, your Mom was one of the people I knew all of my life, and she was a grand one! May she rest in peace! God bless!