Iris Gladden Brown

Iris Gladden Brown, the first of three children, was born on July 15, 1937, in Cedar City, Utah. She died on November 7, 2010, at her home in Mapleton, Utah, age 73, of natural causes. Mom married the love of her life, William Allen Brown on February 3, 1961. Although Dad died before her, Mom cherished her sweetheart every day eagerly anticipating their reunion.



Mom lived most of her childhood in Tooele, graduating from Tooele High School. Dugway was home for nearly 26 years, however, and became the place where many lifelong friends became an integral part of her life and her family. Mom spoke fondly and lovingly of her Dugway days including working at the credit union, attending the many accomplishments and events from our school days at Dugway High School, then eventually overseeing our ever-expanding family circle as a grandmother.



Mom was very fortunate to live the last third of her life in Mapleton, Utah. The many friends she and Dad made helped sustain the golden years as a time of comfort and daily happiness. Mom, from her childhood influence of spending time on a farm and around gardens, reinforced to us the value of being connected to and having a respect for nature's beauty. She loved a ripe, red tomato from the garden. Being surrounded by deer, migrating birds, horses, and the natural beauty of the Mapleton area, sustained Mom and Dad's reverence for all living creatures. She dedicated herself to the long tradition of watching in awe the spirit of the Olympic games, an event she admired as deep as her devout patriotism for our country. The Provo River remained a love as it strengthened the bond of passion and memories for Dad. They both are together now, hip-wading the frigid waters with fly rods, while "Boomer" keeps watch from a distance.



Mom's trademarks were her infinite homemade "smiley faces" and knitted Christmas stockings. Without fail, she had a stocking for all members of the family each year, later expanding that priceless gift to many of her cherished friends. The doorbell or knock signaled a candy treat for her to share with the neighborhood kids. Family remained most important to her and the days we had together gave her nurturing joy.



Mom is survived by a brother, David (Karen) Gladden and sister, Ann (Chuck) Terry; children: Sandy Terry, Randall (Denise) Brown, Paul (Cathy) Brown, Greg (Alice) Brown, and Carla (John) Duncan; 22 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. Mom was preceded in death by her mom, Ena Wright Gladden and father, Everette Oren (E.O.) Gladden. Our dad and Mom's sweetheart, Al, died in 1999.



A viewing will be held on Thursday, November 11 from 6 pm-8 pm at the Mapleton LDS Chapel, 970 North 400 East, Mapleton. Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 12 at the same location at 11 am, with a viewing from 9:30 am-10:30 am.

Our family extends our appreciation to the many wonderful doctors and nurses who cared for our mom, but mostly to the wealth and multitude of friendships she treasured.