I remember the Bronson family for such a long time that I don t remember not knowing them. They were there when I was a small child in north Idaho. As a matter of fact, I grew up in a home we purchased from Lester and Gladys. They were always near when it came time to visit relatives near Tacoma or to attend reunion at Silver Lake. I remember Uncle Lester driving a truck for the Washington Cooperative Egg and Poultry Association. I remember a picnic at their house along the White River, and in fact, carry a scar from a bit of youthful foolishness that day. More recent years have kept us apart, but have not lessened our affection or respect.

Now, as it always happens, one generation is moving on, while we who were young are beginning to seem old even to ourselves. We look back, even as our mothers used to, to events of earlier years. We do this not only to warm our hearts with memory, but to draw up out of the past all that is worth while, to make sure that it becomes the heritage of our own children.

Thinking back to Gladys Bronson when she was a young mother of mighty active children, what do you remember? I asked her children, and was impressed by what they recalled. One recalled her mother s wisdom, her intuitive sense of right and her willingness to listen to the problems of her children. There were also memories of a thrifty woman who refused to be daunted by days of depression and who was determined that no attitude of self-pity should spoil their life. Many a day she made a feast of common fare.

Another mentioned the years of love between father and mother, whose consideration of each other kept harsh words at an absolute minimum. There was sternness, as there needs to be, but it was the sternness of deep concern for children, a yearning for fair play and being right. There was mention of eagerness to learn, and many of us bear witness of her devoted service to family, friends and her faith.

In light of these, consider words from her patriarchal blessing, words which lent encouragement and direction from her youth until now --

"Oh how you will rejoice in this life when you read your Patriarchal Blessing; to know how richly God has blessed thee, and protected thee from danger seen, and unseen. It will bring that assurance to your heart: that your efforts in this world pleases God. And I say unto thee in the name of Jesus Christ: continue to be humble and prayerful, and you will never be left alone; but God come near unto thee. His Holy angels will administer to thee; all along through the journey of life. And thus dear Sister, never at any time let an opportunity pass to bless humanity to honor the cause of Christ, who died to win souls to him...And when He comes to gather his faithful children, and reward them, you will hear the welcome plaudit from your King: Well done my child, enter thou into the everlasting rest and peace.

People are disclosed by what they cherish. Some cherish possessions above all else. Others look beyond their possessions to that which adds a dimension of beauty to life. Gladys Bronson let her life be enriched in many ways, one of these was by poetry. I noticed that she liked most the poems which sing of hope; for instance, she cherished these:

It was such a one as this who brought love and encouragement, a listening ear, and good counsel to many of us.

It is no wonder that you feel empty and lonely. Part of life has been torn away, but as surely as the sun shall rise again, memories that hurt now during the darkness of grief shall shortly become a blessing.

Death sometimes wears the garb of tragedy, intruding upon young lives, or tearing loved ones from each other far too soon. For others death is a longed-for friend. The body has been a prison, a place of torment and pain. Death comes to unlock the door and brings freedom, and so it has been with our sister.

Death comes to us all. We would do well to make ready for it. Gladys lived with the quiet assurance of immortality. She accepted the hope and consolation which came with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. She was a good woman. I think she will feel at home in heaven.

Her obituary, read by Elder Allyn Cato

April 26, 1897 marked the unfolding of a beautiful life. On that date, in the village of Johnstown, Illinois, there was born to Uriah and Lula Randolph, a lovely daughter, given the name of Gladys Irene. Her childhood was shared by nine brothers and sisters. Pursuing an education was an early ambition. Upon completing teachers training she joined her sister, Sylvia, in the frontier country of Montana. While engaged in teaching school at Andes, Montana, she became closely acquainted with the Bronson family. Through the testimony of the lives of this family, the principles and doctrines of The Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints soon became a conviction and on June 18, 1916 she entered the covenant of baptism under the hands of a young missionary, Elder Lester Bronson. The friendship between the young missionary and the lovely young girl soon blossomed into romance and on June 19, 1918 the union of marriage created a new family. The happiness of family life was developed with the addition of the children, Cecil Lester, Clara Alyce, Tharel Wayne, Iryce Irene and Theron Randolph.

Sadness visited the family at the loss of Tharel Wayne in his infancy, but the faith and wisdom imparted to those that enjoy the fellowship of the all-wise Father, sustained the family and much happiness was the heritage of the other children.

The family had first hand lessons in the geography of our country by establishing residences in many different areas. A chain of deep friendships followed them from Montana to Idaho, to Washington, to Southern Missouri, to Kansas, to Grandview, Missouri and finally to Independence, Missouri. Through the years and in many areas, the Gospel Story was a continuous unfolding process. Sister Gladys was the sustaining pillar to her husband's continuing priesthood mission. She was the stabilizing factor in rearing their children and deeply rooted in them the faith and wisdom that guided her own life.

Her joy was increased in her later years by the privilege of being Grandmother to eleven cherished Grandchildren, and quite recently she was joyous at the birth of her only great- grandson.

Wisdom through faith and prayer is the gift that shines through the life of this loved one. . .and will sustain us to eternity.