Gladys "Evelyn" Harding went home to be with her Lord and Savior on September 10th at the age of 99 years 8 months and 14 days. Evelyn was born on December 26, 1920 in Minneapolis, MN to Robert and Mildred (Metz) Anderson. She graduated from the "Old" Minneapolis North High School, class of 1939.

Evelyn grew up in a Christian home where she learned to love and serve the Lord. Those values were reflected in how she lived her life. From teaching and playing the piano for children's Sunday School to serving with Woman's Missionary Society groups to attending various church functions, especially senior citizens luncheons. Family member were reminded that she was praying for them in the greeting cards we would receive from her.

On September 28th, 1940 she married Harold I. Harding. Shortly after their marriage they move to Bena, MN. where they ran a Red Owl grocery store for 7 years during WWII. They eventually moved to Anoka where they managed the Night-O-Rest Motel for a short time.

Their move brought them back to Minneapolis where they owned and operated a corner grocery store at Penn and Lowry in North Minneapolis. After 7 years, Harold and Evelyn purchased the Night-O-Rest Motel on the West side of Anoka. They continued to operate the motel until retirement in 1977.

Upon retirement, they began to spend the winter months in South Texas, staying in their "Mini" RV, becoming Minnesotan Texans. They enjoyed the fellowship with the many new found friends they made in Texas. Evelyn and Harold always enjoyed spending time with family, especially when the grand kids were celebrating special occasions.

After Harold passed away in 1994, Evelyn continued to reside in the Anoka area until she moved to Guardian Angels in Elk River, MN. She continued to attend Nowthen Alliance Church until her health began to fail. When she was no longer able to care for herself, she moved to Champlin Shores Care Facility.

Evelyn is survived by 3 children, Robert (Remda) of Anoka, Wesley (Judith) of Lanesboro, MN and Julie (Matt) Mielke of Parker CO. 7 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren and a sister, Dorothy Lundberg of Makawao, HI.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harold; sister, Miriam Berge and grandson, Wade Harding.

A service for immediate family members will be held with interment at Lakeview Cemetery, Nowthen MN.

Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home - Anoka - 763-421-0220 - www.thurston-lindberg.com