Gladys I. Johnson's Obituary
Gladys Johnson passed away on March 25, 2022 at the age of 95, peacefully in the Rose Garden at the Garden Terrace, assisted living facility in Federal Way Washington.
She was the first born of George and Signe Lovendahl. Born March 28, 1926 on her parent’s farm in Washington County, Kansas. Her two brothers survive her: Dean Lovendahl of Bartlesville, Oklahoma and Dwain Lovendahl of Wichita, Kansas, both now in their 90’s. Her two children, Cheryl Staples of Gig Harbor and William Sheats of Federal Way also survive her. In addition, Gladys had four grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Gladys loved everyone in her five-generation family and they all loved her dearly.
Gladys’ working career started early as a teacher in a small single room in a building with grades 1 through 8 near Clyde, Kansas. She followed this career her entire working life, gathering a Bachelor’s degree in education and later a Master’s degree. Gladys retired from the Clover Park School District in Lakewood Washington as an elementary school counselor.
Gladys was a faithful believer of Jesus Christ. She grew up in a Christian family attending the Zion Lutheran Church located in Brantford, Kansas and later became a Presbyterian attending the Little Church on the Prairie located in Lakewood, Washington. At Little Church, she served as an elder and deacon and taught Sunday school. Gladys also participated in Bible Study Fellowship for years - even during the pandemic using Zoom. The loving relationships she built through BSF became a blessing of visits and calls.
Gladys enjoyed gardening and studied to become a Master Gardener, sharing her knowledge with friends and family. She loved quilting and made many, all cherished by the recipients. Through church, gardening, and quilting, Gladys made many like-minded friends whom she loved and appreciated. She was a generous, artistic, thoughtful, and independent woman who made an impression on all those who were blessed to call her friend or family. She will be missed by all, but she was certain of her path. As her granddaughter, Ann Eberhard, wrote upon learning of her passing: I’m sorry for “our” loss, but happy for her gain. She did not look back but only looked forward as Jesus took her home.
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