Gladys’ birth occurred on September 12, 1924 in the Monroe, Washington Hospital to her parents, Nels and Svanhild Hanson. They resided on a farm just outside Carnation, WA. Gladys was the oldest of seven children, of which only the two youngest still survive.
Gladys peacefully passed away on August 4th, 2022, in her sleep, and is in God’s hands and His embrace. She passed away in her home at South Pointe Assisted Living with her caregivers, friends, and family members. She was 97 years old, just one month shy of her 98th birthday.
Gladys left the farm to work in the Seattle area as she neared her 21st birthday. This was during World War 2 and one of the jobs she had was as a “Rosie the Riveter” in a factory supporting the war effort. During this time she met her future husband, Melvin (Buck) Hetzler, who had recently been released from a Japanese Prisoner of War camp in Japan and was recovering at home in the Seattle, WA area. They dated and were married on December 22nd, 1945. On December 4th, 1951, they bought their house in Shoreline, WA and settled into family life with their four daughters. Melvin passed away on February 17th, 1978, at which point Gladys continued to live in their family home until July 2018, when she moved into The South Pointe Assisted Living Home in Everett, WA.
Gladys had four children, all girls. Valerie came first on February 14, 1947. Then came the twins, Sandra and Brenda, born on November 12, 1949. Then came the youngest, Barbara on August 18, 1953. Sadly, Sandra passed away on March 20th, 2018. Valerie is married to Jon McKenzie, Sandra married Dennis Connally, Brenda is single, and Barbara is married to Bob Low. Together they gave Gladys eight Grandchildren and nineteen Great Grandchildren and eight Great, Great Grandchildren.
Gladys worked as a riveter during World War 2 (as I said), was a Mother and Housekeeper for her home, had a few other jobs along the way, and finally worked as a data typist for a Hospital.
Gladys also enjoyed herself with her friends. She belonged to a bowling league, was a member of the Red Hat Society, collected and read books (many, many books), and was a member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Shoreline, WA for 61 years where she served many ministry and charitable tasks.
Gladys enjoyed a long life with many friends, a great family, and a dedication to our lord, God. She will be missed by us all.
A Graveside Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held at Purdy & Walters at Floral Hills Cemetery, 409 Filbert RD in Lynnwood, WA 98036, in the Azalea Gardens, on Thursday, August 25th, 2022 at 2:00 PM, where she will be laid next to her husband, Buck; after which we will have a dinner get-together in her honor at The Old Spaghetti Factory, 2509 – 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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