Gladys Ellen Hufford Allen

Gladys Ellen Hufford Allen passed away peacefully in Helena, Montana on September 10, 2026. Gladys spent her last days with her family. Gladys was born November 23, 1936, in Columbus, Montana. Her parents were Floyd and Helen Hufford.

The Hufford Ranch was located near the bottom of the Beartooth Mountains along the Stillwater River. Gladys’ grandfather purchased the land from the United States government when they moved the Indians off the land and onto the Crow Indian Reservation. The ranch is still being operated and run by the Hufford family.

Gladys was raised helping out on the ranch. She also learned to cook at an early age providing meals for family and hired workers. Her first three years of school were in a one- room, rural schoolhouse located near the ranch. She completed grade and high school in the small town of Absarokee, Montana. She rode to school for a few years in a Model-T Ford with a rumble seat. While in high school Gladys joined Rainbow for Girls. She was Worthy Advisor in 1953 and received the Grand Cross of Color Award. She was DeMolay Sweetheart and attended their Grand Sweetheart Ball. 4-H was also a big part of her growing up.

Montana State in Missoula was her choice for college. She became a member of the Tri Delta Sorority. It was in Missoula that she met Larry Allen. He had transferred from Bozeman. They met on a blind date and hit it off right away. Gladys and Larry were married on June 13, 1957.

They had three children, Lawrence G. Allen, Deborah G. Hermes, and Elbert F. Allen. The family moved several times in the early years living in Drummond, Montana, Redwood City, California and Eugene Oregon. They moved to Helena, Montana in 1966. The children went to school and grew up in Helena, Montana. The family enjoyed the great outdoors that Montana offered. Everyone had a list chores to get completed so they could take off for the weekend. There was skiing and ice fishing in the winter and in the spring was early boat fishing at the lake. Summer held many activities such as water skiing, boating, fishing and motorcycling while camping. They moved to Idaho in 1990.

Gladys and Larry were both very active in the masonic orders. They traveled the states of Montana and Idaho for several organizations and enjoyed the added fun of going on group trips. They were able to see beautiful country and make many friends.

Gladys originally joined Eastern Star on December 20, 1954. Her mother’s birthday was December 20th. She was Worthy Matron four times, Grand Representative of Illinois, held all chapter offices at least once with the exception of musician, secretary and marshal. She served on many chapter and Grand Chapter committees. She was Grand Electa when Larry was Worthy Grand Patron and Christy Schill-Newbold Worthy Grand Matron of Idaho (2010-2011).Gladys was proud to be a Golden Star (50 plus year member). She was a life member of Boise Chapter #65 and Meridian #66.

Gladys also joined Sapphria Temple #79, Daughters of the Nile in 1982 in Helena, Montana. She held several offices including Queen in 1988-89. As queen she visited 21 sewing clubs across the state of Montana and attended three Supreme Temple Sessions. While in Houston, Texas she visited the Burn Center in Galveston. In Los Angeles, California she visited the Shrine Temple and Hospital. She took dual membership with Iras Temple #40 in Boise and held several offices. She was a member of both Temples at the time of her death.

Although fun and family were always important, the bank account made all that possible. Gladys had a varied employment history. Of these positions some were: Accountant, Credit Union Loan Officer. Assistant Manager of multiple sporting goods stores, Insurance Agent for Life, Health and Property, Real Estate Broker, Insurance Compliance Officer for the State of Montana and Underwriter for a Health Insurance Company in Idaho. The last few years she mainly took care of the office and helped Larry with his construction business. Gladys said she never held a job from which she didn’t learn something new. She enjoyed the challenges of each position.

Life changed on April 21, 2015, when Larry passed away. They were two months short of 58 years together. Those years, were full of many happy memories. They were good team mates in everything they did.

Gladys moved into a town house in Meridian, Idaho, and enjoyed it and her flowers. As she slowed down, so did life. She enjoyed spending time with family. Gladys later moved back to Helena in 2021.

Besides her three children and their spouses, she leaves seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and five great, great grandchildren.