Velma Margaret Gladwell

Velma Margaret Gladwell, age 73, of Clinton, passed away at her home Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, following an extended illness.

Mrs. Gladwell was born in Salinas, Calif., Sept. 22, 1941, to John Glen McCommons and Velma (Martin) McCommons. She graduated from Salinas High School in 1958 and received her Associate of Arts degree from West Hills Community College. Velma also graduated from the Appraisal Institute and was a real estate appraiser. On July 12, 1986, she married Michael Gladwell. The couple moved to Clinton in 2005. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed quilting. She was also a member of the South Whidbey Garden Club and Senior Striders.

Velma is survived by her husband, Michael; her mother, Velma McCommons, of Salinas; her three daughters, Cynthia Ramirez, of Kirkland, Debora Ewing, of Auburn, Calif., and Angela Ramirez, of Clinton; four grandchildren, Billy Guzman, of Marysville, Angela Higgins and Rachel Higgins, both of Kirkland, and Ryan Ewing, of Auburn, Calif.; four great-grandchildren; six siblings, Glenna Ferrier (Herman), of Scott’s Valley, Calif., John McCommons (Soledad), of Bolivia, Wesley McCommons (Kathleen), of Redding, Calif., Martha McCommons and Walter McCommons, both of Salinas, and Jean Sanderson (Jack) of Las Vegas. She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Helen Bemesderfer in 2012.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 13, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Freeland. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 728 134th St. SW, #101, Everett, WA 98204. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeyme

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