Gladys Jocelyn Pettit

December 21, 1924 - July 21, 2011 Gladys was born in Denver on December 21, 1924. It was the ultimate Christmas gift for her parents, Loren Everett (Jack) Johnson and Belle Hirschkowitz, and the beginning of a special Christmas spirit that would be a gift to so many for 86 years . . . her unique legacy. As all who knew her would agree, Gladys and her special Christmas spirit lit up a room with her smile. She gave everyone her best and that was a lot. Her gregarious personality and love of entertaining was there from the beginning. As a small girl, she traveled with her parents in a Vaudeville company, and was often billed as, “The Youngest Professional Hula Dancer.” As a young woman, she sang with dance bands all over the country, including her dad's dance band in Nederland. She entertained troops during World War II and in her 60's, performed on stage (including tap dancing) at the Arvada Center. She served on the Board of Directors of The Arvada Center during its early years. Grandma Gladys also provided entertainment for her six grandchildren, singing to them as they baked cookies and recounted the days when she performed hula dances as a little girl. Gladys was a sports enthusiast, attending as many of her sons' and grandchildren's baseball, t-ball, football, soccer, volleyball, basketball and hockey games as possible, and even attended some of their ice skating practices. She loved Colorado School of Mines and Buffs football and we dare anyone to name a more enthusiastic Broncos, Rockies, Avs, Rapids and Nuggets fan. In her eyes, neither the Broncos (nor any other Colorado team!) have EVER deserved a penalty. It is ALWAYS the other side's fault. She also was a sport herself. She played golf well into her 80's. She belonged to Indian Tree Women's Club and for the past 17 years lived on the edge of the Hyland Hills Golf Course, fielding the golf balls that would land on her balcony. She married Frank Phillip Pettit on September 16, 1946 at Trinity Methodist Church in Denver. From that marriage of nearly 65 years, sprang a family of whom she was very, very proud. Her sons were the joy of her life. Sons Steven, Phillip and Gary traveled across the country with their mom and dad, writing and starring in self-produced movies and still work side by side at Starwest Productions. She worked for Starwest for more than 32 years, as receptionist, office manager, babysitter, lunch caterer, and cheerful greeter to all who entered. And grandchildren . . . she loved her grandchildren more than life itself and showed that love in so many ways. Whether it was working on creative projects, lending a listening ear, bringing Christmas and birthday surprises or, of course, baking snickerdoodles, she would do just about anything for Jason, Brendon, Jonathan, Abby-age 16, Lauren-age 13 and Max-age 11. Her daughters-in-law, Kathy, Linda and Kathy, appreciated her companionship, her babysitting and the care she gave each precious child of theirs. She lovingly welcomed Dhita into the family last year as her granddaughter-in-law. Gladys' brother Gene also lives in Denver and she was a special part of the lives of niece Traci and nephew Shawn, and their children, Sammie, Charlie, Zena and Zoe. They shared many years of Christmas mornings together. Gladys. H.T. Grandma. Wife. Sister. Cousin. Aunt. Mom. Second Mom to so many. Friend to all who knew her. She was one of the most giving persons ever created. She wanted the best for everyone and encouraged others to do their best. She filled us with her presence for life's important moments. We just know she was welcomed into heaven by all her friends and family who got there before her, and is filling heaven with that same remarkable presence, helping the angels take care of everyone. Friends and family, please join us to celebrate her life on Sunday, July 31st at an open house from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Gary and Kathy's house in Arvada. In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation to charity in her memory. Some of her favorites were: Ralston House,  St. Anthony's Hospice, Colorado School of Mines  A tribute will be posted soon on www.estarwest.com.