Glade Irvin Ely, loving husband and father passed on June 3, 2026 in his home surrounded by those he loved. Glade was born on September 1, 1939 the son of Irvine Lafayette Ely and Clara Phylis Tiffany Ely. He was born in Payson, Utah and grew up working on farms. In his younger years he loved riding horses in Payson Canyon and camping. He loved fishing and hunting in his youth and enjoyed the peace and serenity he felt in the mountains.
By age 14 Glade was working on a farm raising hay, corn, and doing general farming work. He had a very strong work ethic, and by age 17 he was running the farm. Glade wanted to move beyond the farm and attended BYU. He met the love of his life, Sherry Lynn Miller, as a young man. He and Sherry were married on August 23, 1958 and their marriage was sealed in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity on August 24, 1959. Shortly after getting married Glade served in the Army National Guard for 4 years, and served in the Army Corps of Engineers for 1 year serving in Fort Lewis Washington.
Glade started his career working for Souvall Brothers as a merchandiser. A few years later he started working at Smith’s Corporation as a produce manager and learned the skill and art of setting displays. He was a quick study and was soon promoted to be a store manager.
He loved the art of negotiating and worked as a buyer for over 35 years working in merchandising of numerous products. He loved working with people and finding creative ways to enhance business. He built lifelong friendships with those he worked with both as co-workers and vendors. He was respected for his tenacity and interest in creating win-win outcomes. His curious nature allowed him to ask lots of questions and look for unexpected solutions.
Glade and Sherry developed a deep love for one another and raised 5 children. Glade and Sherry loved spending time with each other. Similar to the years of his youth, he enjoyed going on rides in the mountains and would spend hours driving saying, “I wonder what’s over that next ridge?”
Glade’s career allowed Sherry to be home to nurture their children. Together they were always involved in their children’s lives and provided help and assistance in their lives whenever help was needed. They enjoyed being in the mountains spending time on the lake playing water sports. Together they raised their children to be hard working, honest good human beings and taught them to believe in Jesus Christ.
Glade served in various callings as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. After retiring he loved working and serving in the Oquirrh Mountain Temple. He built loving relationships with his neighbors. He loved connecting with people from all walks of life and built relationships based on his desire to learn about people and their lives.
Glade is preceded in his passing by his parents Irvine Lafayette Ely and Clara Phylis Tiffany Ely, his brother and sister-in-law Blair and Toni Ely. He is survived by his loving companion Sherry and their five children; Wendy (Ingolf) de Jong, Tracy Ely, Denise Blunt, Val Ely, and Tiffany Ely. Glade and Sherry enjoy having 12 Grandchildren, and 19 Great Grandchildren.
We welcome all family and friends to a viewing on June 9, 2026 from 10:00 AM – 12 Noon at the Larkin mortuary located at 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah. After the Viewing we invite people to join us at a Graveside Service at the Herriman Cemetery located at 12465 South Pioneer Road, Herriman, Utah. Glade will be buried with Military Honors for his service in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, our Beloved Country. The graveside will be livestreamed, you may attend by clicking "watch services."