PROMOTED TO GLORY

‘Soldier of Christ – Well Done!’ PROMOTED TO GLORY

Mrs. Brigadier Crystal Andreasen (R) was recently promoted to Glory from the Mesa Christian Care Center in Mesa, Ariz.

Crystal Gaskell was born the second of three children in 1912 in Warrensburg, Mo., to Salvationist parents. She gave her heart to the Lord at a young age and has served him to her fullest.

Crystal assisted at the corps in Frankfort, Ky., for two years before entering the New York Training College, being commissioned with the Do and Dare Session in 1934. In 1939 she married her session mate, Carl Andreasen. They served as a couple in Ohio and Kentucky before transferring to the Western Territory with their first appointment being Compton, Calif. After corps work in Santa Ana and Santa Barbara, they joined the Men’s Social Service Department for two years. Appointment at San Francisco Mission Corps preceded their five years in Bremerton, Wash., from which they retired in 1975 with 45 years of unbroken service.

In retirement in Santa Rosa, Calif., the Andreasens were faithful soldiers and active in corps programs. Crystal took special pleasure in serving as League of Mercy secretary for many years. After her husband’s promotion to Glory in 1995 she moved to Mesa to be closer to family. Even after her stroke she entertained the folks at the care center as long as she could sit at the piano.

Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Olin Hogan led the Service of Remembrance at the Mesa Citadel Corps.

She is survived by her daughter, Major Marilyn Bawden; sons Warren and Dan Andreasen, eight grandchildren, two of whom are officers: Lt. Ronalee Fenrich and Lt. Noelle Nelson, and nine great-grandchildren. Messages of sympathy may be sent to Major Marilyn Bawden, 1114 Pearl St., Santa Monica, CA, 90405, and Warren Andreasen, 6264 E. Princess Dr. Mesa AZ 85255.

After several years of poor health, Mrs. Major Irma Gutierrez (R) went to be with the Lord she so loved. She was promoted to Glory on April 18, 1999, from St. Jude Medical Center, Fullerton, Calif.

Irma and Luis Gutierrez were married on April 2, 1950. About this time, they became soldiers of The Salvation Army in Los Angeles. In 1957, they made their way to the School for Officers’ Training in San Francisco.

As members of the Courageous Session, they were commissioned to the rank of 2nd Probationary Lieutenants in May 1958. Their appointment: to command the Phoenix Temple Corps. Other appointments included Lincoln Heights and Belvedere Garden Corps. In 1977 they left corps work and joined the Men’s Social Service Department with appointments in Los Angeles and Pasadena. Due to ill health the Gutierrez’s entered early retirement in 1982.

Although Irma had many physical problems she always had a smile and an encouraging word. She conducted weekly Bible study at the Spring House Assisted Living facility.

Major Irma Gutierrez is survived by her son, Caleb, two sisters: Arcee Moreno and Colina Solerno. Luis was promoted to Glory in 1996, and daughter Irma in 1995. Messages may be sent to Caleb Gutierrez at 512 E. Union Street, Brea, CA 92621.

A graveside service was held on April 24 at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Calif. Lt. Barry Shrum officiated at a memorial service held at the Whittier Corps.