Gladys Engelke – Longtime Healdsburg resident and family woman

Gladys Engelke passed away Nov. 15, 2007 in Healdsburg. Gladys,
known to her friends as “Gladdie,” had been a resident of the
Healdsburg region for almost all of her 85 years. She was born in
1922 to Edwin and Bessie Richards of Windsor. Both of her parents
were born in Wales. Her father mined gold in the Yukon for many
years until he saved enough money to purchase the Mt. Weske ranch
that is famous for its octagonal barn. Gladys and her brother
Berwyn were reared on this ranch in the foothills of Windsor.
Her motivation to live was extraordinary. There were too many
people, places and events to attend to slow her down. She
persevered despite her diminishing health and continued to make
others happy by her presence. She loved people! Her love for others
and the incredible support of family and friends kept her going.
Her memory and her recall were amazing.
She was the beloved wife of the late Leland Engelke of
Healdsburg, loving mother of Rick Wattles, DVM (Ellie DVM) of
Fillmore, daughter Becky Wattles Bebber (Phil) of Healdsburg, Sam
Wattles (Colleen) of Cloverdale, Jerry (Joanna) Engelke of Windsor,
Dick (Jackie) Engelke of Chester, Pattie Engelke Domenichelli
(Bill) of Healdsburg, Lee (Joanne) Engelke of Healdsburg, dear
sister of the late Berwyn Richards DVM of Santa Rosa, cherished
grandmother (Nain) of Rich Jr., Chip, Jim Engelke, Brandi Engelke
Lacampagne, Stephanie Domenichelli Setzer, Dan Domenichelli, Gary
and Becky Engelke, Chalmers Bebber Fitzpatrick, Lainie Bebber
Walling, Beth Wattles Weisman, Christy Wattles Jacobs, Jason
Wattles, Cory Wattles, Lizzie Bemis, Caitlin and Codi Bradford,
cherished great grandmother of Payton and Darby Fitzpatrick,
Taylor, Spencer, Brittany, Alexandria, Christopher, William and
Katherine Engelke, Mottie, Moshe and Zack Weisman, Isaac, Gracie,
and Hayden Bemis, Jonathan and Austin Wattles, Jake, Emily, and
Shifra Jacobs, Ahnna Randolph and Sam Setzer. She is also survived
by her sisters-in-law Mary Brandt of Healdsburg and Majel Richards
of Santa Rosa. She was preceded in death by the father of her
children, the late Jack Wattles, DVM of Healdsburg.
A service to celebrate Gladdie’s life will be held Sunday,
November 25, 2007 at 3 p.m. at the Healdsburg Community Church,
1100 University Street, in Healdsburg.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Stroke Club of Sonoma
Co., 2351 West Dry Creek Rd. Healdsburg, Ca 95448 or the charity of
your choice.