Retired Deputy Sheriff Officer and long time resident of Carson City, NV, Gladys Brister (Mom) fell asleep in death on January 11, 2019 at the age of 86 years old while residing at Sea View Senior Memory Care home in Brookings, Oregon. Gladys moved to Brookings a year ago to live with her daughter and her husband, grandsons and great grandchildren. Unfortunately, she had several health issues including dementia, which required her to be cared for in a senior living facility. She had recently been hospitalized for heart issues as well as pneumonia, which in the end took her life. Born October 10, 1932 in Big Springs, Texas to parents Alvin and Mary Reed. Gladys was the youngest of nine siblings, and last to fall asleep in death. Four sisters, four brothers and her father and mother all preceded her in death. Gladys (Mom) is survived by: Son: John Mayfield, Daughter in law: Anneleice Mayfield of Carson City, NV, Daughter: Janie Wettengel, Son in law: Paul Wettengel of Crescent City, CA. Five Grandsons: Jason Mayfield of Weldon CA, Jerrod Mayfield of Bakersfield, CA, Nathan Wettengel of Eugene, OR Chadd Wettengel, and Granddaughter in law: Leah Wettengel of Grants Pass, OR. Nicholas Rahm of Carson City, NV. Six Great Grandchildren: Isaiah Wettengel, Clark Wettengel, Dylan Wettengel, Alana Wettengel, Ashlyn Mayfield, and Alexa Mayfield. Numerous Nephews & Nieces from all over the country. Gladys was a 23-year veteran of the Carson City sheriffs department. She could be tough as nails when she needed to be, but had a soft heart for the elderly and children. Mom received many awards for excellence and achievement during her time as a deputy sheriff and was loved and respected by all in the community of where she worked and lived. Long after she retired many people had stories to tell about officer Brister — all of which where with much respect and love. When she was out and about, everywhere she went, people would always say hello or affectionately give her a hug — especially young children and later the same ones as teenagers then adults. Gladys got into law enforcement later in life. It was her life long dream to follow in her father’s, a Texas Ranger, and brother’s footsteps as they all had careers in law enforcement. Some of her brothers tried to discourage her from following her dreams stating they were afraid she would get hurt or she didn't have what it took to be a deputy sheriff. Mom was determined to prove them and others wrong and that she did! Officer Brister was hired as a dispatcher in 1971, and was hired as the first full time patrolwoman in Carson City. Gladys fought hard to get as far as she did in law enforcement and one of the highlights of her time as a deputy sheriff was when John Wayne came to town to film what would be his last movie the "Shootest". Mom was called upon to be his bodyguard during the time he was filming his movie. He was always her favorite movie star and having her picture taken with his arm around her was a cherished memory she had. After Mom retired she traveled around in her motor home camping, fishing, visiting her family and friends from coast to coast. She also enjoyed collecting law enforcement patches from all over the country, attending shows and displaying her many patches. She was well known in the law enforcement patch-collecting world. She was also very active in the Cadet Program as well and enjoyed working with the young men and women who were part of the program. She referred to them as her cadets because she took pride in helping them to hopefully take up law enforcement in their future. She always wanted to write a book about her life, but never unfortunately was able to do that. I, her daughter, wished she could have done that now, because she did a lot of living in her 86 years. It would have been nice to read about in future times. We do have our memories that we can share with family and friends. On Saturday March 2, 2019, from 2:00- 5:00pm, we will gather together to remember our Mother and Officer Gladys Brister at a celebration of her life to be held at the Jackpot Crossing Event Center, 1897 N. Edmonds Drive, Carson City, NV. Gladys Brister, our Mother's final resting place will be with her Father Alvin Reed and along side her Mother Mary at Green Lawn Cemetery in Bakersfield, CA. She is loved and will be missed by all who new her. Our family wishes to thank the community of Carson City for your kind thoughts and condolences for Deputy Gladys Brister (Mom).
