Gladys Ilean Denman, 96, experienced “…to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD” 2 Cor 5:8 for herself on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Gladys Denman’s life will be further honored and celebrated in a graveside service this Spring. All Faiths Funeral Home is serving the family.
She was treasured as the youngest child born to Francis “Frank” and Lona (Swett) Bohner on January 17, 1923 in a newly built ranch home in Dunning, NE. When Gladys was one year old, due to a spring blizzard and loss of livestock, the family was forced to come to Grand Island to seek a new life. Gladys graduated from Grand Island Senior High in December, 1940.
She married the young love of her life, Jack Lee Denman on May 20th, 1941. They settled on a farm south of Alda in 1948 to farm and raise their family. They moved to their new home in G.I. in 1983.
Jack and Gladys spent 54 big life years together until Jack’s death on September 7, 1995. Sandra Lee, Jerre Lynn, Becky Mae, Timothy Jack and LuCinda Rae Denman were born to Jack and Gladys’ union. Gladys spent her life as a consistently loving, faithful homemaker.
She was active in District 6 school, 4-H leadership, and her farm neighborhood extension club. She was a “go for” farmer’s wife including serving delicious lunches and coffee breaks in the field. Her love and gifts of sewing were enjoyed by many.
She faithfully (with Gladys’ mother) sewed many cheerleader outfits. Gladys worked on floats for District 6 in the Harvest of Harmony and on booths for the fair. Gladys had tactile and mechanical gifts and a strong work ethic.
It was interesting that the much younger spouse of her niece, Dixie, late professional, Warren Sanger, always honored Gladys for their friendly, excellent work ethic summer job relationship at the Alda Cornhusker Ordinance Plant. Much respected in the community, Mike Meier, her younger nephew, coworker at Triad, Alda, likewise. Gladys had other later jobs such as running the Wood River Country Club Pro Shop with Jack.
Fun that her work life began as a soda jerk as a teenager where she met Jack and that her last job was making malts, etc. at Ben’s Drugs’ lunch counter. Gladys became an avid traveler and would never turn down an offer for a chance to see the country and to be with family.
Gladys Denman was a very loving and proud mother, grandmother and great (and 2 great-greats) grandmother. She thoroughly enjoyed watching her family athletes participate as they preceded through childhood, high school, college and even professional sports. Jack and Gladys were a common thread in two medical doctors, three pharmacists, a veterinarian (with another in training), a physical therapist, a chiropractor, two teachers, computer techs, business people, an engineer, Grand Cayman Island residents/adventurers, and many blessed valuable community contributors.
Gladys requested the song “Just as I Am” to be sung at her memorial celebration. This was dear to her from her young baptism by immersion at the Christian Church in Grand Island. Gladys lived out her Christian life with humility and unconditional love (as one niece noticed) in harmony.
Gladys was loved and respected by most who knew her as a very kind and focused lady. She will be dearly missed. Gladys is survived by her family: Sandy (Bill) Terryberry Pinehurst NC, grandchildren: John, Jack, Jeff, Lisa, & Kenny; Jerre (Glenn) Mays Hastings NE, grandchildren: Greg, Tren, & Tate; Becky (Ron) Peterson Grand Island, NE, grandchildren: Tyler, Tiffany, Tori, & Todd; Amber and Ashley Denman, granddaughters and J D Henderson “adopted grandson” children of her late son, Tim; and Cindy (Tom) Evans Firth, NE, grandchildren: Brittany, Callie, Spencer, & Hannah.
Gladys had 17 much loved great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild with another on the way. Survived also by Donna (Carl) Pearson Anchorage AK/Mesa AZ and Karen (Jon) Hester Oklahoma City (brother Ray’s daughters); sisters-in-law: Sharon (Wayne) Meier and Jacque Denman, all of Alda. Additionally, other wonderful spouses of the above and of those who follow here: other wonderful Denman nephews and nieces and cousins and family and friends and some precious grand dogs.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack; son, Tim; brother, Ray; sister, May; brothers-in-law, Bob and Don Denman, and many other family members. Memorials will be determined later by the family. A special thanks to her friend, Dr. Steven Husen, and the staff at Good Samaritan Society, Grand Island, including Jennifer Nelson and retired friend, Pat McFeeley, for lovingly caring for Gladys.
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