February 21, 1934 — June 20, 2025

It was with sadness, and yet gratitude for her long life, that the time came to say farewell to our dear family matriarch on the Summer Solstice at 91 years of age. Fondly remembered for her welcoming, generous and kind spirit. It was a joy to share a laugh with her and to witness her generous disposition towards other’s personal choices. Her lifetime belief that “Two Wrongs Don’t Make a Right”, supported the roles she fulfilled in this lifetime.

Gladys leaves behind her sister Shirley Meister (Vernon, BC), daughters Bonnie Lanosky (Edmonton, AB), Dianna Cromarty (North Vancouver, BC) and Carol Smith & Son in Law Regan Smith (Kamloops, BC), Grandchildren Sarah (& Mike Carline), Adam Lanosky, Nikki Saunders, Brindley Smith (& Ashley Mowat), Dylan Smith and Spencer (& Melissa Smith). Great grandchildren Blake Carline, Allyssa Saunders (& Jarred) and Chase McKernan. Great great grandchildren Thomas and Aurora. Also many cousins, nieces and nephews whom our family still appreciate so deeply. Gladys was predeceased in 2012 by her loving husband of 53 years, Bill Heyworth (Merritt). Together they were known for their amazing garden harvests, gifts of canning and fresh produce to their family and friends, a game of dominoes or crib and their lucky streaks for keno, casino and raffles. Gladys was also predeceased by her parents, Ted and Evelyn Chase of Chase, BC, her sister Joan Cole (Kamloops) and brothers in law Tom Cole and Emil Meister. Also, sons in law Peter Lanosky (Bridge Lake) and Rick Saunders (Merritt), grandson Shane Saunders and niece Christie Cole. Gladys prized family get togethers. The fondest memories from her childhood were spent with her Grandparents, Aunties, Uncles and cousins of both West and Chase families.

While her Dad was away as an engineer in the bridge building division during WWII in France and Holland, she and her two sister’s would spend their summers at the Bailey Ranch overlooking Kalamalka Lake in Vernon, BC. Auntie Maude Bailey (nee Chase) provided many stories and references in “A Town Called Chase” book by Joyce Dunn. Gladys looked forward to the many Chase family reunions that were held through the years and included trips to her Grandfather George Chase’s homestead up in Turtle Valley. She enjoyed sharing the stories of her ancestors and family traditions with her Grandchildren. Later in Merritt many impromptu drop ins from family and friends, would result in a welcoming charcuterie of homemade pickles, smoked salmon, garlic sausage and cheese. No appointments necessary, always an open door policy.

Gladys never drove a car and is often remembered for her swinging arms and fast walk as she travelled throughout Merritt to see her clients when she worked as a Home Support Worker. At Christmas time she would provide them all with baking of butter tarts and Christmas Cake. She volunteered every Saturday at the Merritt Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store until her vision was too degraded from chronic macular degeneration and she could no longer work the cash register. But she still enjoyed bringing home the occasional treasure. She believed everyone should have a nice teapot!

On behalf of Gladys, her family would like to thank the wonderful health care team providing care to her with in the community, including IHA Home Health Nurses and Care Aids, Dr. Fred Kruger, Dr. Stephen Faddegon, the Heart Health Clinic and Dr. Malebranche, the Senior’s Health & Wellness Center and Dr. Varma, as well as Dr. Just and Dr. Peter Hopp and staff. The family would also like to thank all of the residents and management team at Cottonwood Manor for Gladys’s first home away from home in Kamloops 2012 – 2023. She managed to live independently, made new friends and enjoyed the special shopping tables and BBQ’s. Her moves to Kamloops Seniors Village both Assisted Living, firstly November 2019 – July 2020 and secondly January 2023 – March 2025, were followed by a final move into Complex Care. The amazing care provided at KSV was outstanding and not only professional but sincerely heartfelt. You are very special all of you!

Thank you to Schoenings for providing attentive and caring support for our family through this difficult time. Gladys and Bill will be laid to rest side by side “Together Again” on September 4th at the Merritt Pine Ridge Cemetery. The family would like to extend an invitation to those who would like to join us in social gathering for a Celebration of Gladys’s Life at Carol and Regan Smith’s residence in Aberdeen, Kamloops from 2 – 4pm on Friday September 5, 2025. Please contact Carol via email crsmith1@telus.net for further inquiries including location.

• Date : 2025-06-20
• Location : Kamloops