Gladys June Flotten
December 16, 1920 - September 26, 2020
Obituary
December 16, 1920 – September 26, 2020
Gladys went to be with the Lord on September 26, 2020. She would have turned 100 years old on December 16.
She was a retiree of The Bon Marche which later became Macys, where she was the cashier in the Soda Grill, and then the Cascade Room for 41 years.
Gladys loved Hawaii, and she taught Hula and Polynesian dancing for over 30 years as Kumu Hula of Lei-Ahi Studio of Hawaiian Dance. She studied Hula with Marge Leilani Hunt and attended workshops led by Emma Sharpe and George Naope among many others. She was also a member of Hui ‘O Na Kumu Hula for many years.
Gladys was an expert cook and baker and won over 60 first-place ribbons at the Washington State Fair for baking and home canning.
She was preceded in death by her husband Verne Flotten and is survived by her daughter Sherry along with nieces Kathrine Urwiler and Rebecca Peters, nephews Ken Merideth and Robert Merideth, and their families.
Remembrances may be made to the Judson Park Retirement Community Chaplain’s Fund, or to The Salvation Army.
A hui hou, Mom!
Aloha nui loa, wonderful Gladys! Sherry – thank you for posting all of these lovely pictures of your wonderful mom. I simply adored her. I have such fond memories of her at Hui events, and remember getting to sample many of the fabulous candies she made. She really was one of a kind, and I’m so grateful to have gotten to know her and to call her my friend. Although she is gone, she’ll never be forgotten. Aloha wau ia `oe, Gladys.
Gladys was a wonderful person and bigger than life. Her smile and laugh lit up
a room. She was always, always kind. I am so lucky I got to work with her at the Bon Marche. I was in the Jet/Room than Marketplace right next door to her, however she always had a smile for us across the room. I loved the jewelry she wore and the bright red lipstick. I know heaven is a bit brighter with her presence. My condolences to you Sherry. It was
apparent to everyone how much she loved you.
Teresa
Gladys “LeiAhi” Flotten was a big part of my growing years. My ballet, jazz and tap teacher (Judy Larson) sent me to Gladys to take hula classes when I was 12. My mom drove me to Burien every week for classes at her house. When it was time for uniki she gave me the name Lehua Nani. She was generous, warm and loving and always had a smile on her face. She baked the most delicious goodies, especially on holidays and I still use many of her recipes. I joined the Hui O Na Kumu Hula and spent years involved with her there. She never forgot my birthday and there was always a Hawaiian themed Christmas card and letter. I had the opportunity to visit her a few times in later years and she never changed. At almost 100, her passing is not a sad occasion but a great celebration of a long life, well lived by a beautiful lady.
Edna Asher wants everyone to remember how encouraging, welcoming and helpful Gladys always was. First Baptist Church put on many Easter Cantatas and Christmas plays at Judson Park, and Gladys was always helpful and cheerful.