Gladys M. Anderson

Gladys M. Anderson, 100, Moses Lake resident passed away Friday, April 29, 2011 at Samaritan Hospital. A celebration of life will be held at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, May 5, 2011 at Kayser's Chapel. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m., Friday, May 6, 2011 at Hillcrest Burial Park in Kent, WA. Visitation will be held from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday, May 4th at Kayser's Chapel. Please sign the online guestbook or leave a note for the family at www.kayserschapel.com Arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory.

Gladys Marjorie Carr was born December 10, 1910 in Ridgebury, PA. She was the 4th of 14 children born to Harry and Sarah Carr. She was raised in Thomas, WA near Seattle and graduated from Auburn High School in 1927. Gladys was awarded a driver's license early in life. At a very young age, she started driving school bus and truck for her father. Gladys told many stories of her travels throughout Washington State. At the age of 13, she was hired to drive an elderly couple from Seattle to Spokane. Her two week journey in a Star Touring Car included travel over mountain passes and the Vantage ferry. This trip left her with a lifetime of stories to tell.

In 1933 Gladys married Alf J. Anderson in Seattle, WA. They lived in Seattle, Kent and Cle Elum before eventually settling on a dairy farm in Enumclaw, WA. During World War II, Gladys worked for Boeing, helping build airplanes to support the war effort. She was active in her community and a member of a number of social clubs. She was an officer and member of Washington State Dairy Wives and a member of the Osceola Community Club.

Upon retirement, Gladys and Alf built a vacation cabin in Ocean Shores, WA where they spent many happy times with family and friends. Gladys' fondness and love of Ocean Shores continued throughout her life. Gladys and Alf also enjoyed RV'ing and travelled throughout the Western United States and Canada.

Gladys and Alf relocated to Moses Lake in 1993 to be closer to family. Gladys became active in the community and was a member of the Moses Lake Newcomers Group for over 18 years. She had a life- long love of learning and returned to college in her late 80's to gain computer skills. Gladys also participated in investment clubs, clogging and enjoyed bunco, card playing and bingo.

Gladys lived independently for 98 years. She also maintained a driver's license until age 98. She took her first formal driver's exam at the age of 97 and passed with flying colors. 

The next stage of Gladys' life was the 14 wonderful months living at the Hearthstone Inn. While there, she made many great friends and discovered the joy of Wii bowling, bingo and ice cream parlors.

Gladys' family will forever be grateful for the loving care of the staff at the Hearthstone.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Alf, her parents, infant son Alf Jr, numerous brothers and sisters and many cherished friends. She is survived by son Terry and daughter-in-law Mary, grandchildren Emily, Jason and Benjamin and great-grandchildren Taylor and Mahkai Anderson. She is also survived by sisters Sarah Brand, Peggy Cheadle, Mary Irick as well as many nieces and nephews. Gladys greatly appreciated nieces Pam Nye and Gladys Cool for the special love and care they provided in her final years.

We would like to express great appreciation to everyone who has shared in Gladys' life, especially those in the medical community who made her last days as peaceful and pleasant as possible. Gladys' eagerness for life and fun will forever be missed.