Gladys Louise Gifford

Gladys Louise Gifford passed away on Monday, February 14, 2022 to reunite with her lifelong valentine, Jack Gifford. When he picked her up for one of their first dates, she was up in a tree, a place that gave her great joy in her youth. Gladys was 86 years young and a feisty Norwegian. She loved animals, children, playing cards, being outdoors, church, and family. She had 2 sisters, 3 brothers, and was a proud Preacher’s Kid (PK) who loved her family fiercely. Her laughter and kind spirit lit up every room.

Jack and Gladys owned the Rose City Shopping Center and were vibrant members of the Rose City community. Gladys acted as the treasurer for the Trinity United Methodist Church in Rose City. She loved art fairs and frequented them often with her daughter, Deb.

Gladys is the daughter of Vernor and Agnes (Johnson) Manchester, born on March 5, 1935 in Miami, IN.

She is survived by her daughter, Deb (Craig) Maison; additionally, by her siblings Verna Wright and David (Shirley) Manchester; sister-in-law Marian Manchester and brother-in-law Louis Roger. Her legacy includes her grandchildren Jessica (Michael) Judd, Shawn (Sara) Maison, and Terah (Todd) Grace; as well as her great grandchildren, Sierra Maison, Scarlet Maison, Eva Judd, Iris Judd, Harper Grace, and Miles Grace.

Gladys is preceded in death by her daughter, Ruth Marie Gifford, husband, Jack Gifford, sister, Grace Roger, and brothers, Ross and Gar Manchester.

She was always there to listen to you, laugh with you, and to cheer you on. If you fell down, she was the first to lift you up. She will be missed deeply. The unconditional love she gave so generously will be carried forever in the hearts of those who experienced it.

Visitation at the Steuernol and McLaren Funeral Home in Rose City will begin on Saturday, February 19, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with the Funeral Service beginning at 12:00 p.m. Burial will at Rose City Cemetery. Following the burial, a luncheon will be at the family center at the Trinity United Methodist Church. Pastor Helen Alford will officiate.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church in Rose City, MI.

Online condolences can be shared at www.steuernolmclaren.com