Gladys E. Christenson, who turned 103 last December, passed away Thursday, July 9, 2015, in Sterling. Visitation will be Thursday, July 16, 2015, from 10:30 am until the service time at 1pm at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery.

Gladys was born on December 13, 1911, in Lincoln, NE to Peter and Mabel Coleman McCauley. Gladys moved with her family to Ovid, CO where her father was a lumber yard manager. While living in Ovid, Gladys met her future husband, Clifford Christenson. They were married March 9, 1929, in Sterling.

Gladys and Clifford opened bakeries in Chappell, NE and later in Fort Morgan, CO. After a period of time, they opened the "Sugar and Spice Bakery" in Sterling. They operated this bakery for many years. Gladys ran the coffee shop in the bakery and Clifford was the baker. Gladys was a talented cake decorator and was characterized by an honest, humble, and unassuming nature as well as a great sense of humor. Cliff and Gladys enjoyed this time together and made many friends through the years.

Gladys is survived by her son, Cliff Christenson of Denver, and two granddaughters: Cathy Telarico of Eaton, CO and Mary Christenson of Berthoud, CO.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Christenson, in 1978 and brother, Bob McCauley.