Gladys Miller

Gladys Mae Henshaw was born in Los Angeles, CA on New Year’s Day, 1926, to John Henshaw and Evelyn Swanson Henshaw. Gladys and her father moved to Denver when she was 6 years old following the unexpected death of her mother. She loved her North Denver neighborhood, attending Skinner Junior High and North High School. Her family moved to Delta, CO to open the Grand Mesa Lumber Yard when she was a high school student. She graduated from Delta High School and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder. Gladys  married the love of her life, Keith Miller, in 1948. They shared 65 years together. Keith’s early teaching career took them to Lamar, Colorado and eventually in 1953, Grand Junction, where they made their home and raised their family.

Gladys was a wonderful parent. Her children, Steve (born in 1950) and Meredith (born in 1953), remember countless holiday meals, camping on Grand Mesa, and summer vacations. She loved maps, planning the routes and navigating every road trip. She was a lifelong learner and teacher, a quality she instilled in her young children. Her love of teaching became a reality when she graduated from Western State College and began her long career in District 51. She was a strong advocate for her students and fellow teachers. She served as president of Mesa Valley Education Association from 1979-1981.

Her creative spirit and talents grew throughout her rich life. She was a master weaver and fiber artist. Her love of the Navaho Way connected her with her teacher and mentor, Mae Jim. She spent countless hours weaving with Mae Jim in Ganado, AZ. Gladys taught many people the art of weaving and spinning using natural materials in traditional Navaho ways. Her greatest joy was spending summers teaching Navaho weaving at Ghost Ranch near Abiquiu, New Mexico. Her iconic annual ‘Trading Post Tour’ is remembered by the many people who accompanied her. She was always willing to share her vast knowledge of the Navaho traditional way of spinning, dyeing, and weaving.  She was friends with many traders, weavers, and artists throughout the Navaho Nation.

She loved her community of friends. Gladys was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for nearly 70 years. PEO Chapter AQ was a very important part of her life and she was proud to be a member and serve as president. She played bridge, pinochle, and loved to meet with her many friends. Toward the end of her life, Gladys was especially close to her friends and the staff at Community Hospital where she went for daily walks to the Flying Pig Cafe.

After she retired, Gladys rekindled her love of California with numerous trips to Carlsbad and San Diego. She gathered her family together in Carlsbad with grandchildren and great grandchildren and spent countless hours on the beach enjoying the ocean and her family.  She traveled extensively to Ireland, England, and Canada where she always had a map handy.

Gladys passed away at home on August 6, 2021 at the age of 92. A memorial service will held in the future. She is survived by her children, Steve and Meredith, her grandchildren, Amy Miller and KeriAnn Totton, 5 great grandchildren, and her half sister Joan Henshaw. Internment will be in the Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Thank you to the many people from HopeWest who cared for her, especially her amazing friends from Team Orange. Your loving care and dedication made such a difference in her life. In lieu of flowers, please let these dedicated people know you care with a donation to HopeWest.