Wenda Kay Gladden

Wenda Kay Gladden, 55, Waterville, a former longtime Wenatchee and Okanogan resident, passed away at her home in Waterville on Friday, September 9, 2016, at 2:42 pm following an extended illness. She was born on December 13, 1960 at Shelbyville, Kentucky. Wenda was raised to the age of four in Kentucky prior to the family moving to Oroville, Washington where she received her education. Wenda met and married Steve Hale, making their home together in Okanogan and Omak. She moved her family to Moses Lake in 1989 and worked at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake in the Housekeeping Department. She returned to Okanogan in 1994 and worked for the Ponderosa Motel as a Motel Maid. Wenda met Jack R. Gladden in 1995 and they were later married, making their home together in Okanogan. Wenda later worked as a Hostess at the Cedars Inn Restaurant at Okanogan. When her mother needed more care, she unknowingly entered her new career as a caregiver. In the early 2000's, they moved to Wenatchee and she worked as a caregiver for the Addis Health Care Group. Ill health forced her to accept early retirement. They moved to make their home in Waterville just over one year ago. She loved to laugh and had a gift of making everyone smile even amidst sadness. Wenda enjoyed reading Steven King novels, nature, going camping and traveling, especially to Hawaii. She loved dancing and the Seattle Seahawks. Wenda is survived by her husband, Jack R. Gladden, Waterville; four children, Jacob (Jen) Hale, Omak, Jessica (Jesse) Woodward, Brewster, Zeb Hale and Jared Milam both of Omak; four step children, Lythia Gladden Moses Lake, Steve Gladden, Wenatchee, Zack Gladden, Puyallup and Katie (Oscar) Aquino, Anaheim, CA; brothers, Ray (Patty) Roberts, Port Townsend and Kenneth (Cindy) Breeding, Okanogan; eleven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. She was preceded in death by her mother and sisters, Brenda Demar and Linda Roberts. A Celebration of Life will be held on, Saturday, September 24, 2016, 1:00 pm at Okanogan First Church of the Nazarene with a potluck following. You are invited to visit her tribute online at www.HeritageMemorialChapel.com and leave a memory for the family. Arrangements are in the care of Heritage Memorial Chapel, East Wenatchee.

Wenda Kay Gladden

December 13, 1960 - September 9, 2016