Our beloved mother, Gladys Marie (Humphrey) Greene, died Wednesday, May 14, 2014, at Guardian Angel Homes. Generously sharing her kind and loving heart with us for 92 years, she made this world a better place.
Gladys was born Sept. 13, 1921, in Lewiston, to Perry and Rona (Barker) Humphrey. She graduated from Lewiston High School in 1939 and earned her teaching certificate at Lewiston State Normal School (LCSC). She taught school in Idaho Falls, Elk River and in Lewiston at both Webster and Tammany.
In 1945, she was swept off her feet by a handsome young lieutenant who had just returned from piloting 52 missions in Europe. Gladys married William A. (Bill) Greene, and over the course of the next few years they lived in Florida, New Mexico and California while he completed his service. Once they returned to Lewiston, Gladys used her artistic and creative talents as she set about making a home for Bill and the six children who followed. A devoted and fun-loving mother, she taught all of her children to have empathy for others and to always look on the bright side. For Gladys, the glass was not just half full, it was overflowing. She frequently counted her blessings and appreciated the full and rewarding life she and Bill created together.
An outstanding cook, Gladys baked and decorated wedding cakes for family members, made delectable hors d'oeuvres, and pounded many a deer steak into a tender delight. She even made her own tortillas long before the days of fast food and corn chips. Gladys was the consummate hostess at their home in Tammany, where she oversaw 4-H, bridge, pinochle and birthday parties, as well as many a family reunion.
Bill and Gladys moved to Spokane in 1976. During those years, they traveled to Spain, Fiji, Brazil, Alaska, Mexico, Canada and various parts of the United States. Together they enjoyed golfing, gardening, sharing family time at their lake cabin and playing cards with their many friends. They returned to their hometown in 2001.
Gladys is survived by three sons and three daughters, Bill (Crystal) Greene of Twin Falls, Jim (Ana) Greene of Sudan, Africa, and Washington, D.C., Don (Lisa) Greene of Seattle, Jan (Gene) Golla of Lewiston, Barb (Eric Abbott) Chamberlain of Seattle, and Julie (Ian Walt) Greene of Friday Harbor, Wash. In addition, she leaves 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and her brothers, L. Grant Humphrey and Wayne E. Humphrey.
Burial is scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday at Mountain View Funeral Home, with memorial services immediately following at 11 a.m. Please sign the online guest book at www.mtnviewfuneralhome.com.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Guardian Angel Homes. Your loving care these past 10 years is appreciated more than we can say.
The family suggests memorials in her name to Northwest Children's Home or any organization that is dedicated to children. You honor Gladys through kindness to others, by counting your blessings and by enjoying each day.
