Obituary: WISE, GLADYS

Gladys Wise1916 ~ 2013Gladys Josephine Bruderer Wise, our beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and great-grandmother, passed away unexpectedly on January 16, 2013, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the home of her daughter, Nancy. Gladys was 96 years young! Gladys was born in Salt Lake City on Easter Sunday, April 23, 1916, to loving parents, Charles and Josephine Schiess Bruderer. She was the third of eight children and the only daughter to survive childhood. Gladys was a wonderful sister to her six brothers, whom she loved dearly. Raised in a caring environment, she contributed greatly to the nurturing and support of her immediate and extended family throughout her life.Gladys graduated from East High School in 1933, and was soon employed by the Utah Oil Company as a highly regarded secretary. She felt so blessed to have this job in the midst of the depression, and often used her paycheck to buy things for her family. She met many life-long friends during her eight years at Utah Oil, including her eternal companion, Roland Vern Wise, who quickly noticed the energetic and lovely secretary who could type twice as fast as anyone in the building. Gladys and 'Rolly' were married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 20, 1942, and made their first home in Boise, Idaho where Rolly worked as an Internal Revenue Agent. Several months later when Rolly was called to fight in WWII, Gladys moved back to Salt Lake to be with her family and await the birth of their first child, Karen, who was born while Rolly was in the army. Gladys saw him only twice over the next three years, but they did exchange over 200 letters! After WWII, Gladys and Rolly made their home in Salt Lake City, where Rolly served as the Director of the Internal Revenue Service while Gladys directed the home front. Their marriage of 62 years was filled with love and service as they raised five children. For nearly 60 years they made their home in the Country Club Area where Gladys and Rolly were active members of the Parley's 3rd Ward. Gladys served in many community and church positions, including PTA President, Relief Society President, and Junior Sunday School Coordinator for nearly 10 years. Gladys was a loving mother and a homemaker par excellence. Her homemade cake rolls, turtles, caramels, lemon meringue pie, and roast beef dinners were legendary. An unbelievably energetic worker, she was the perfect hostess, making everyone feel welcome. She made every holiday special and loved entertaining family and friends. Gladys had an eye for color and style and enjoyed decorating and maintaining her home and yard. She took good care of herself and kept a youthful appearance. Gladys was an active and involved mother and grandmother who dedicated her life to loving and helping her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted daughter, caring for her elderly mother for over nine years in her home after her father passed away. A wonderful and loyal friend, she enjoyed serving others. She spread sunshine wherever she went with a smile and a sparkle that drew people to her. Her great sense of humor, and disarming wit lit up the room. Generous, thoughtful, compassionate, vivacious, fun, hard-working, and faithful, Gladys brightened so many lives and will be missed at every turn.Survivors include her five children, Karen (Dick ) Hanneman, VA, Stuart (Jane), UT, Tracy (Margaret Braae), UT, Nancy (Bob) Thorup, UT, and Kelly (Marcia), VA, 24 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren (with two on the way), her brother, Leland (Jean) Bruderer, UT, and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her dear husband, Roland, parents, Charles and Josephine, brothers, Eldon, Clif, Wilford, Willard, Lloyd, and baby sister, Mathilda.Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at 12:00 noon at the Parley's Third Ward, 2615 E. Stringham Avenue (2287 South). Friends may call on Friday evening from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Chapel, 3401 Highland Drive and at the Parley's Third Ward on Saturday from 10:30 am to 11:45 am prior to the services. Interment: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive.