Gladys Janette Szot's Obituary
Big Rapids - Gladys J. Szot of Big Rapids passed away on November 23, 2020 at her daughter and son-in-law's residence in Big Rapids. She joined her dearly loved husband and best friend Alfred "Al" Szot who preceded her in death on October 31, 2004. Gladys and Al were blessed to have had fifty-eight years of marriage. Gladys often referred to her birthplace, the Hawaiian Islands, as "back home," but those who knew her best knew that her true home and her heart were in Michigan with her family, whom she loved more than anything. Gladys was a spiritual woman and she cared deeply about her church family in Big Rapids as well as in Hawaii.
Gladys was also Al's partner in business ventures as well as in keeping the Szot family farm a productive farm where they raised registered Herford cattle. During her lifetime it was important to her as a mother that her children be raised with high standards, good values, and to be thoughtful of others. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life and she was always happiest when they were with her. Her home was a place where people were welcomed, and they felt comfortable. Working in her yard with her flowers gave her great joy.
She was born June 24, 1924 in Honolulu, Hawaii, and graduated from Roosevelt High School in Honolulu in 1942. She worked at the Bishop Bank of Hawaii before marrying Al and moving to Big Rapids in 1946. From 1952 to 1955, she worked at the J.C. Penney store in Big Rapids as a bookkeeper and cashier. After moving to Albion, Michigan in 1957, she worked at the Bank of Albion. Upon returning to Big Rapids in 1963, she worked at the First National Bank (Chemical Bank and currently TCF Bank), and in 1971 she worked at Michigan Consolidated Gas Company as a measurement technician until her retirement.
Gladys is survived by one son, David (Debra) Szot of Big Rapids; two daughters, Leilani (Ken) Van Trump of Marlette, MI, and Kristine (Larry) Szot-Schult of Big Rapids. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Eric (Tre Bastien) Van Trump of Milan, Michelle (Ryan) Bowen of East China, Jessica (Bill) Tokar of Layton, Utah, Ryan Malcolm of Grand Haven, Michael Green of Big Rapids, Amanda Szot of Ann Arbor, and Heather Hodges of Big Rapids; 10 great-grandchildren Nadija, Audrey, Erryn, and William Tokar, Conner, Hayden, Kloey, and Mackenzie Malcolm, and Ashlynn and Lauren Bowen; plus many nieces and nephews. Gladys was also preceded in death by her infant son John, her parents, and her brother.
A celebration of Gladys's life will be held at a later date. Family services will be held at the West Cemetery in Big Rapids, where she will be laid to rest next to Al. Memorial contributions may be made to the Big Rapids Seventh-Day Adventist Church Building Fund, 1031 Rose Ave., Big Rapids, MI 49307. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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