Gladys Christensen

Gladys Christensen died at home on June 13, 2023. Gladys Pauline Christensen, nee Sharp, was born to Arnie and Buna Florine Sharp on October 21, 1929, in Stamford, Texas, while the family was in route from East Texas to Arizona. She and her brother, Travis Sharp, were raised in Peoria, Arizona, where she graduated from Peoria High School in 1947, shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, Rollin “Chris” Christensen, wed in 1949, and spent the next 50 years, 10 months together. After relocating to Coolidge, AZ, they raised 2 sons, Gary Christensen and Gregory Christensen, while she earned her bachelor’s and master’s Degrees from University of the Pacific.

She worked with Chris at his shop and additional jobs in the community until she went to work for Arizona Department of Economic Security Employment offices where she remained until retirement in 1990. During that time, she was elected to the Central Arizona College Governing Board in 1983 and was the longest serving member of the Board at 39 years. In 2019, she was awarded National recognition as Community College Board member of the year.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Travis; husband, Rollin Christensen, and son Gregory Christensen.

She is survived her son, Gary Christensen, Flagstaff, and 3 beloved grandchildren.

Memorial Service will be held at Cole and Maud Coolidge Chapel on June 22, 2023, at 11:00 am, with graveside inurnment to follow at Heritage Valley Memorial Park, in Coolidge for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Central Arizona College Foundation.