Woman’s club honors work of outstanding member
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News from the Ronan Woman’s Club
It was announced at the Sept. 24, General Federation of Women’s Clubs Ronan meeting that Alice Gleason, a 50-year Ronan club member, is the 2019-20 GFWC Montana winner of the Jennie Award, the highest honor given to any club member.
Over the past 50 years, as a dedicated member of the GFWC Ronan Woman’s Club, Gleason has served in every office. She was the creator of the annual craft fair and flea market overseeing the main fundraising project by arriving first and leaving the event last for more than 30 years. She headed the High School Scholarship Committee, served on the Garden of the Rockies board of directors, hosted the annual Christmas party, assisted with blood drives, collected books, collected food for the Bread Basket and decorated and rode on parade floats.
In addition to club work, her community service efforts are amazing. She was active in the initial St. Luke Community Healthcare hospital expansion and nursing home addition, fundraised for the relocation of the Ronan Library and as a Jaycee, was instrumental in building the Ronan Community Center. She was a PTA president, homeroom mother and volunteered at wrestling tournaments. Gleason was a co-founder of the Back Country Horsemen and their Adopt-A-Highway Program. She taught Sunday school and directed the church choir for 25 years.
Married for 62 years to Larry Gleason before his passing, she raised four children, worked as a childcare provider for hundreds more children and was the Ronan School’s head cook for over 16 years. She was a role model for hundreds of Ronan children and adults.
Diane Grant, a fellow Ronan club woman, researched club records and newspapers and gathered information, pictures and testimonials from others to complete the Jennie Award nomination form. GFWC Montana submitted Gleason’s nomination to the GFWC Western States Region where she was selected as one of two finalists for the international GFWC award.
The Ronan Woman’s Club, founded in 1917, has been active in the community for more than 100 years. Current programs include working with school projects and scholarships, library projects, Garden of the Rockies Museum, St. Luke Community Hospital and nursing home, the Bread Basket, Safe Harbor and many others.
Anyone interested in becoming a member can contact Joyce Rogers at 406-253-3355 or Adina Fox at 406-253-1774. The GFWC Ronan Woman’s Club is so proud to have her as a member.
