Gladys Lenora Bolinger, 85, of Salinas, passed away Monday, July 27, 2009, at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital.She was born Nov. 29, 1923, in Green Forrest, Ark. Gladys was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed painting, quilting, traveling in the family motor home. She loved the Salinas Valley and all the seasons. She was loved and cherished and was the strength of the family.

Survivors include her husband, Noel Dwight Bolinger of the family home; daughters, Barbara (Ron) Whitehead of Salinas and Beverly (Bernie) Bolinger-Belandres of San Francisco; sons, Richard (Deanna) Griffin of Panama City Beach, Fl., John (Teri) Bolinger of Corning, James Michael Bolinger of Salinas; sister, Donna (Charles) Sarabin of Modesto; 23 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews survive her.

Gladys was preceded in death by four brothers, five sisters and one grandson, Richard Griffin.

Celebration of Life was at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 1st, at Echoes From Calvary Pentecostal Church, 1025 Post Dr., Salinas.

Cremation was performed.

The family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the American Red Cross, 942 Lupin Dr., Salinas, Calif. 93906. Arrangements: Healey Mortuary and Crematory, 405 N. Sanborn Road, Salinas.