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Gladys Tuttle

November 7, 1919 - November 9, 2018
Grand Rapids, MI

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Visitation

Monday, November 12, 2018
12:30 PM to 2:30 PM EST
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Service

Monday, November 12, 2018
2:30 PM EST
Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes
Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel
2120 Lake Michigan Dr., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 453-8263
Driving Directions

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Corewell Health Hospice
750 Fuller Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(866) 542-7945
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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Throughout her rich and rewarding life, Gladys Tuttle was a gracious and kind woman toward all who were in her path. She was guided by an unwavering faith, and no matter what came her way she counted it all joy. A loving wife and devoted mother, Gladys and her husband were so proud to witness their family grow to include grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who filled their heart with joy. Always busy, she lived to serve those in her family, within her church, and within the community she called home throughout her entire life. Although she will be deeply missed, Gladys leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

With the end of WWI in 1918, America was poised for greatness as we were recognized as a world leader for the first time. Innovation ushered in new technology that brought us countless advancements that transformed the way we lived our daily lives. It was during this time of transition after the war that Knapp and Nellie (Lindhout) Lamphear were pleased to announce the birth of the baby girl they named Gladys Lucille on November 7, 1919, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The oldest of three, she was raised in the family home on Knapp alongside her brother, Rollin, and her sister, Avis. Although times weren’t always easy and money was tight, she had a childhood that was filled with plenty of family and love. Gladys had lots of relatives and enjoyed spending time with her extended family. Their family even lived in front of her grandparents’ home. There was also a wooden water tower in the backyard. Gladys attended local schools including Creston High School. She also worked at Kay Drug Store.

It was while working at the drug store that Gladys met the young man who would forever hold the key to her heart. His name was Carroll Tuttle, and he also worked there. They began dating, and it didn’t take them long to fall deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Gladys and Carroll were married on April 8, 1939, in a double ceremony with their eventual longtime friends, Mary and Kip Dayton. Soon, they discovered they would become parents, and they had five children in nine years including Richard, Karen, David, Cathie, and Donald.

At home, Gladys ran a bustling home with grace and ease. She was an amazing mother who was seemingly always on the move whether she was picking up after the kids, doing laundry, cleaning, or organizing. Although she accomplished a lot, she didn't work quickly as she preferred to do everything with intention. Gladys was an active part of her children’s lives as she helped out at their school, led their 4-H group, or did other things as well. She could be strict when needed, and being with her kids was her true passion. At first their family lived on Cosgrove, but they later moved to their longtime house at 1059 Nixon where they lived for nearly 60 years. Dinner was ready at 5:30 every day, and she made primarily meat and potatoes along with dessert. Among the family favorites were Gladys’ squash, molded jello salads, and sticky buns. As a family they enjoyed camping at Pentwater over Fourth of July with friends from church. They also had a garden, and she did most of the canning and freezing.

Over the years Gladys was always busy. They were active members at Wallin Congregational Church with Gladys singing in the choir, helping with luncheons and other church activities, and working with the Dorcas Circle. Many of their friendships were established with other church members as their church was the hub of their social activity as well. Gladys and Carroll were quite social and made the time to go out on a date once a week. Gladys enjoyed the arts. She was good with crafts, playing the piano, painting, and she liked to knit and sew. Once the kids were older, Gladys helped Carroll at his business, Dependable Automotive. She primarily worked in the office and took care of the bookkeeping, but early on in the business, she would drive a truck to make deliveries if needed. Gladys always left by 4:00 so she could get home and get dinner started on time. She loved playing all sorts of games, including card games like Setback, Euchre, and Hand and Foot. She also loved reading. Gladys loved spending time at their home in Traverse City during the summer, and during their retirement years they spent some time in the South during the winter months.

Later in life Gladys continued making the most of the days she was given. She loved seeing her whole family together. Although she didn’t have a lot of time to spend with her grandchildren on an individual basis, they enjoyed more time with their grandchildren once they were older. Gladys also loved holding little babies. She kept a careful list of everyone’s birthdays, and for years she faithfully sent out cards for birthdays. In 2005, Gladys was deeply saddened with the death of her beloved husband. She remained independent, living at Heron Woods. Gladys remained on her own and remained sharp. Just a short time ago she experienced a fall from which she was unable to recover.

With unending love for her family and friends, Gladys Tuttle was truly beautiful on the inside and out. In the company of her family, countless memories were made, filled with laughter. She was strong, courageously faced everything that came her way, and if you were to ask her kids they would tell you she had eyes in the back of her head. Gladys was meticulous in the things she did, and she was always looking to the future rather than getting upset about hard times. Dearly loved, she will be forever missed.

Gladys L. Tuttle, age 99 of Grand Rapids, went home with her Lord on November 9, 2018. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll; her son, Richard; son-in-law Gerald Lobbezoo; and her brother, Rollin Lamphear; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Gladys is survived by her children and their spouses, Darlene Tuttle, Karen Lobbezoo, David and Donna Tuttle, Cathie and Tom VerHage, Donald and Jenni Tuttle; many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; sister, Avis (Ed) Fauble and sister-in-law Irene Lamphear. The service to remember and celebrate Gladys’ life will be held on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 2:30 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW where friends may visit with her family from 12:30 until the time of the service. Her family suggests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to either Spectrum Health Hospice or a charity of your choice. To read more about Gladys’ life, to share a memory or to sign her guestbook, visit www.lifestorynet.com

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