Gladys Kuhn passed away Thursday, August 12, 2010, following a life dedicated to family.

Gladys was born September 3, 1919, at home near Lyman, Wyoming, the twelfth child of Oscar and Hattie Erickson. She lived on the family farm as the youngest of eight living siblings; and graduated from Lyman High School. When she was sixteen, she met her future husband, Roland Kuhn, when he came to work at the farm during harvest. In October 1940, they were married at her sister's home in Salt Lake. Shortly thereafter, they moved to a farm near Hagerman, Idaho, where they started their family. In 1956, Gladys moved to Nampa with her family of seven children and her husband who had given up farming to sell Fuller Brush and Watkins products. It was here that she completed her life, providing strong, loving support for her husband, their children and the spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were to follow.

Life was not always easy, and caring for seven children, including one having severe cerebral palsy, required at least 110% of her time. Gladys was proficient in sewing, canning, cooking and baking; and still found time to help others in time of need. She always prepared at least three full meals a day, including homemade bread and desserts. In her early 60's, Gladys lost her ability to speak or write, as a result of surgery done to repair a brain aneurism. Even through the frustration of not being able to verbally express herself, she maintained a positive attitude-always showing her love through hugs and a warm smile. She developed and shared her talent in painting. She loved spending time with relatives. She enjoyed taking pictures and sharing them as a part of keeping the family together and sharing their experiences. She liked playing cards and watching old movies. After the death of her husband when she was 64, she continued to provide care for her son with cerebral palsy with the assistance of her youngest daughter, Ronda, with whom she resided until her death.

Gladys is survived by two sons: Floyd (Sheryl) and Marlin (Bobbi) Kuhn; three daughters: Patsy (Larry) Chase, Marla (Kirk) Sanders, and Ronda Kuhn; 17 grandchildren; over 50 great- and great-great grandchildren; one sister, Emma Anderson; and many extended family members. Immediate family preceding her in death are her husband, Roland; her daughter, Carol Garrison; and son, Leslie.

Viewing will be Thursday, August 19, 2010 from 6 to 8 pm, at Alsip Funeral Chapel (404 10th Ave So., Nampa; 466-3545); and Friday, prior to services, from 1:00 to 1:45 pm at the Canyon LDS Building. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, August 20, 2010, at the Nampa LDS Canyon Building (121 N. Canyon Street), burial to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Caldwell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to assist her daughter, Ronda Kuhn, as she transitions from full-time caregiver to an independent life.
Funeral Home

Idaho Press-Tribune, August 18, 2010