Gladys Elhard

Gladys Jean Elhard (Kirk) passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 81. In her final days, Gladys was surrounded with love, laughter, and memories with her family around her.

Gladys is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Debbie (Mike) and Karen; granddaughters, Lindsey (Meryam), Leanne (Landon) and Jazmin (Ryan) and great-grandchildren, Amora, Briella, and Maverick.

She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Clayton, in 2025; her daughter, Cathy, in 2018; and her brother, Norman, in 2021.

Gladys grew up on the Kirk family farm east of Carstairs. She met Clayton at a Wilf Carter Concert in Carstairs, and they were married in 1965. They eventually moved onto the Elhard family farm outside Crossfield, where they raised their family.

Gladys supported Clayton on the farm, especially during harvest when she would drive the grain trucks and prepare meals. As her children got older, she began working outside the home, first at the Double Tree Restaurant in Airdrie for 17 years and then in a photo lab.

Gladys loved playing crib and shopping. She also enjoyed golf, gardening, and camping, especially at Woods Lake and later Sylvan Lake, where they had a seasonal spot for over 35 years. Las Vegas and Maui were her favourite vacation destinations, with other memorable trips being the Rocky Mountaineer, Cabo San Lucas, and a cruise up the California coast.

We would like to thank the team members at the Airdrie Care Community for their compassion, care, and support for the past 2 years. Their kindness will not be forgotten.

A private family service will be held at a later date.