Gladys Boutain was born August 8, 1915, in St. Paul, Minnesota, the daughter of William and Gerda (Tengvall) Swanson. She grew up in Swift County and graduated from Benson High School in 1933. Gladys taught in rural schools until her marriage to William Boutain on September 25, 1939 at St. Malachy in Clontarf. While raising her family of seven children and being a busy homemaker, she returned to college and graduated from the University of Minnesota Morris with her Bachelor's Degree in Education. She taught in a rural Swift County District, St. Francis in Benson, St. Philips in Litchfield, Holy Family in Sauk Centre and at Benson Public School until full retirement in 1992. Gladys had a great love for learning and she instilled that love in numerous students, friends and family members. She was a woman of service, serving her community, church and family in many capacities. Gladys enjoyed reading, knitting, playing cards, but her greatest enjoyment was her family. Gladys was called from this life on Monday, July 20, 2009 at the Minnewaska Lutheran Nursing Home in Starbuck. She attained the age of 93 years, 11 months and 12 days. Gladys is survived by her seven children: Bonnie (Frank) Hughes of Melrose, Mary Ellen Mattice of Lino Lakes, Bill Jr. (Shari) Boutain of Alexandria, Nancy (Michael) O'Leary of Danvers, Katie (Tim) Reardon of Clontarf, Jon (Barb) Boutain of Starbuck, and Jerry (Sandy) Boutain of Rosemount; 31 grandchildren; 47 great grandchildren; and many relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband Bill in 1975, a sister Alphine Sutfin, an infant brother Len, and a son-in-law Milt Mattice.
