Gladys Belle Thompson Vessels was born on November 11, 1922 in Hale, Michigan. She was the fourth of seven children born to Roy and Mildred Thompson. As a young girl Gladys dreamed of marrying a minister and being a teacher. She fulfilled both when she attended Emmanuel Missionary College where she received her degree in Education and met ministerial student Frank E. Vessels. They were married in May of 1948. They had four children, Frank Jr., Steve, Cheri, and Kitty. Gladys loved being a wife, mother, and grandmother, teaching first grade, and being a minister’s wife. She made many friends over the years and especially enjoyed their time ministering at the Barstow Seventh-day Adventist Church. They moved to Loma Linda ten years ago to be close to family. Gladys died unexpectedly on December 6, 2019. Gladys is survived by her husband, Frank E. Vessels, her sister, Ruby Sorensen, her four children, Frank, Steve (Cathy), Cheri (Kelly), Kitty (Randy), 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. We all await that day when we will see her again!
