Gwen was born in Kansas City, Missouri, September 5, 1936 to parents Glenn and Ethel Elgin and passed away November 13, 2011, surrounded by her family. Preceded in death by her parents and older brother Jim, Gwen is survived by her husband Don, brother Harold, cousin Glenda Supple, daughters Cindy Hubble (Aaron) and Karen Fritz, and son Brock. She was blessed to have ten grandchildren: Shane, Aimee Huseboe (Aaron), Beau (Tisha), Ashley Baker (Steve), Dustin Hubble (Bianca), Derek Hubble, Tiffanie Kent (John), Justin Fritz (Lesly), Ian Fritz(Felitia), and Ryan Fritz and twenty-two great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends. Her parents moved to Bakersfield when she was two; this was her home, and she truly loved her memories of growing up here. She graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1954 and remained a loyal "Driller" all her life. In fact, she and close to twenty of her classmates reunited in recent years and met for lunch every three months. Their last Christmas gathering was held at her home—she was in her glory hosting that event. Gwen had many accomplishments. She worked for the phone company in her early twenties and later as an office manager for Bernard and Sons and Baker's Welding. However, after years of office work, she chose to pursue a more creative path. Her interest in arts and crafts led her to tole painting—she and tole were a perfect match. Eventually she developed that interest into a business and owned various art studios where she sold supplies and taught classes. Studying tole painting for over thirty years, she attended painting seminars and trade shows all over the country, learned techniques from great artists, and met wonderful friends. Her artistic interests also launched her son's thirty year career in interior design. After retirement, she continued to teach tole classes from her home studio—she taught her last class three days before her stroke. Gwen cherished her religion and often shared her beliefs with others. She looked forward to seeing loved ones who had passed on and believed strongly that families would be together in the next life. Her faith in Jesus Christ sustained her throughout her life. It's difficult to sum up such a special person in this small space. She was not just fun-loving; she took having fun to its highest level. She was witty and often silly. Her pranks are notorious, and she brightened many lives with her crazy sense of humor. She loved to laugh, and she wasn't happy until everyone around her was laughing too, often at her own expense. Even in the last week of her life, she entertained the hospital staff and many of her visitors. Those close to her have many "Gwen" stories to tell. More than anything else, Gwen loved her family; she especially enjoyed her great-grandchildren. She will be missed by many: her husband of fifty-one years, her children and grandchildren, and her many lifelong friends from church, school, work, and tole. For her family, most notably her sweet husband, it's hard to imagine life without her. Nothing will ever be quite as much fun, but we feel blessed to have had her in our lives and know that we will be reunited with her again someday. Join us in sharing our memories and honoring her life at a memorial service held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 316 A Street on Friday, November 18th at 11:00. Interment will be private. A special thank you to San Joaquin Hospital Staff and Peters Funeral Home for their kindness.