Obituary

Glendene Viola Wilson, age 75 of Litchfield Park, AZ died August 17, 2018, in Goodyear, AZ.  She was born December 6, 1942, in Ogden, UT to George and LaVerda Bishop.

To be in the presence of Glendene was to be in the presence of love.  She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Her life was a living witness of her testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Her family was her highest priority in life, and there were a lot of people that she considered family.

Glendene met her husband of 55 years, Troy Kimberly,  at church in Chico, CA.  They were married in the Salt Lake Temple.  Together they established a loving home where everyone was welcome, whether family, friend or stranger.  Glendene delighted in being a homemaker!  She worked hard to establish a home where the Spirit of the Lord would always be felt.  She created a safe place where friends and family could gather, and always made sure that there were plenty of snacks.  She was a wonderful cook and noticed details.  She would often make several versions of a dish to ensure that everyone had food they would enjoy.  It was also a common occurrence for her family to find her busily making a splendid meal only to learn that it was going to a family in need.

During their childhood, her children noticed that she only wore what they assumed were here 3 favorite dresses. It wasn’t until they had grown that they realized that she only had 3 dresses because her first priority was making sure that their needs were taken care of before her own. This meant she often went without so her children wouldn’t have to.  As her children grew, she encouraged them to become involved in extracurricular activities.  Whether a play, concert, or ball game, Glendene would be there to support and cheer everyone on!  She always reminded her children and grandchildren of how talented and special they were.  Her sweet, soft voice, so full of love, assured each of them that they were her favorite!

Glendene loved Christmas!  She worked tirelessly to make sure that it was perfect!  Each year she would meticulously handmake ornaments for each individual in the family.  Her greatest joy came from watching her family open their presents.  She delighted in serving others and finding ways to brighten their day.  Whether it was taking a widow shopping or recruiting her family to help a neighbor with yard work, she believed that if you could be of service to others, why wouldn’t you?

Those she served always became a part of her family.  Whether a newly widowed friend or a family new to AZ with no place to stay, Glendene opened her heart and her home, and there was always enough love to go around!  As time took its toll on Glendene and Troy’s health that love was reciprocated by a ward family that devotedly cared for their every need.  The family is so grateful for their service!

Glendene is survived by her husband, Troy Kimberly Wilson; daughters, Heather (Brent) Ehly, Debbie Kelly, Rebecca (Layne) Pittman; sons, Robert (Kelly) Wilson, David (Robyn) Wilson, Daniel (Mandy) Wilson; father, Richard Bagwell; sister, Susan Carmon; brothers,  Don O’Dell, Ron O’Dell, and Rick Bagwell; 16 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her mother LaVerda Bagwell and father, George Bishop.

A visitation will be held at 9:00 am, immediately followed by a funeral service at 10:00 am, Saturday, August 25, 2018 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 301 W. Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park, AZ  85340.  The funeral cortege will follow in procession to West Resthaven Cemetery, 6450 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301