Gladys Marie Panit

Gladys Marie Panit, a proud American Indian and elder in the Quinault Indian Nation, was born on January 8, 1926, the daughter of John and Bessie Pickernell. She went home to be with the Lord on January 11, 2016.

Gladys was raised in Bay Center, Washington. She had two brothers, Albert and Johnny Bear, and a sister, Marguerite. She also had two half brothers, Harold and Leonard, and a half sister, Catherine. All of her sisters and brothers have already gone home to be with the Lord.

In her teens she attended Chemawa Indian School for Indians in Salem, Oregon. She then had her first child, Eleanor. She worked at a Chinese restaurant in Portland, Oregon where she met and married Venancio V. Panit, a farmer. They had eight children, Loretta, Venancio Jr., Anita, Robert, John, Pete, Eddie, and Deanna. They also adopted a 9th child, Paula Flores. Gladys is survived by all of her children except Loretta, who sadly died at the age of six. She enjoyed eighteen grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Our Mother was an inspiration and a ray of sunshine that lifted our spirits and warmed our hearts. When times were difficult, Mom was always there to comfort us with a big smile and words like "Things will get better. They always do". "This too shall pass" and "Never give up". Raised from humble beginnings, she had a powerful aura and presence of optimism, love, humor, and selflessness. Mom had a huge heart and would give her last penny to anyone who was in need. She had a courageous and indomitable spirit until the moment she passed.

Lord, thank you for giving us ALL so many wonderful years with our Mother, especially in her last few days. Our hearts are joyful that she is in Heaven with all her loved ones, but we will miss her greatly.

Before she passed, our Mother had read the following memorial passage

to friends that have passed on and she wanted her family and friends to

find comfort in the words:

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me,

I want no rites in gloom - filled rooms,

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little - but not too long,

And not with your head bowed low;

Remember the love that we all share

Miss me - but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take,

And each must go alone.

It's all a part of the Master's plan,

A step on the road to home.

When you get lonely and sick at heart,

Go to the friends we know,

And busy your sorrows in doing good deeds.

Miss me - but let me go.