Gladys Sauvola

Gladys Jean Aho Sauvola was born on October 7, 1952, and on May 12, 2026, peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by the love of her family. Known lovingly by nearly everyone as “Glady,” she was bold in faith, courageous and caring, and deeply devoted to Jesus. She lived with one clear mission: to love God and walk in obedience to Him, love people, and see His Kingdom come and His will done on Earth as it is in Heaven. Whether talking with family, friends, strangers, prisoners, church members, or someone on the other end of a prayer line, Glady never missed an opportunity to encourage people and point them toward Christ. Glady was fun loving and adventurous from a young age. She was always ready to drag-race other teens, take a spontaneous trip with sisters and friends, and stay up all night laughing. For more than 51 years, Glady walked faithfully beside the love of her life, Lawrence “Larry” Sauvola. Together they built a strong, Godly family rooted in love, sacrifice, and commitment. They both loved to ride motorcycles, whether it was a quick ride to the mountains for ice cream, or a trip across the country. After Larry’s passing in 2022, Glady often said, “Larry is not in my past, he’s in my future,” and looked forward with joy to the day they would be reunited in Heaven. A lifelong learner and lover of God’s Word, Glady took Biblical Studies in college, taught Bible and home economics at a Christian school, and even completed schooling for massage therapy. She never settled, was always growing, and always encouraging others to do the same, telling them “You’re way more capable than you know”. Glady faithfully served the Lord throughout her life. She wore many hats, and served on the prayer and hospitality teams, as well as Children’s ministry at Outreach Church, where her fiery presence will be missed greatly! She hosted Bible studies and small groups in her home, and ministered to people through prayer, encouragement, and acts of love. Glady was a mentor to many - she served as a prayer partner for television and radio ministries and shared the Gospel in prisons. Even during declining health, she still was a part of small groups and Bible studies, and serving at church, until the end. Though cancer weakened her body, she refused to stop living life to the full! Her faith remained strong, and she loved to lay hands on others and stand in faith with them! Known affectionately as “Oma,” Glady found some of her greatest joy in family. Her home was always open filled with laughter, food, fellowship, worship, and games of Mexican Train and Yahtzee. Family meant everything to her, and she was the most helpful and caring grandmother one could ask for. Her grandchildren treasured sleepovers, rides around town with Oma, special outings, her Godly wisdom, and the unconditional love she gave so freely. She had no greater joy or desire than to see her family walk with the Lord! Though her family grieves deeply, they rejoice knowing Glady is forever whole and reunited with her beloved Larry in the presence of Jesus Christ. Glady will be deeply missed by her family, friends and loved ones. Her life lived for Jesus impacted others’ lives in a deep and meaningful way. Though her race is won, and she now joins the great cloud of witnesses, the seeds she planted will continue to bear fruit and echo for eternity. Surviving Glady are her four sons, Curt Sauvola (Darci), Lyle Sauvola (Jennifer), and Lars Sauvola (Laura), all of Rindge, New Hampshire, and Merle Sauvola (Crystal) of Greer, South Carolina; three daughters, Lori Matson (Scott) of Pasco, Washington; Melinda “Mindy” Sikkila (Collin); and Patti Geesey (Roy), both of Greer, South Carolina; eight sisters, Donna Coponen (Doug) of Greer, South Carolina, Ruth Somero of Greer, South Carolina, Judy Kinnunen of Goldendale, Washington, Barbie Hammer (Ken) of Lyman, South Carolina, Lori Hilman (Wayne), Eunie West (Allyn), Amy Sauvola (Mark), and Mary Kinnunen (Walt) all of Greer, South Carolina; two brothers, Carl Aho (Diane) of Greenville, South Carolina and Jeff Aho (Pat) of Rindge, New Hampshire; two sisters-in-law, Deb Aho of Greer, South Carolina and Ella Aho of Taylors, South Carolina; twenty grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, Danica Davis (Homer) and their children, Maverick and Ebonie, Carinda Hill (Austin) and their children, Grae and Madden, Danaya Rautiola (Travis) and their children, Maela and Vera, Callie Sauvola, Cheyenne Niskanen (Russell) and their children, Ridge and Arvo, Sierra Sauvola, Julia Sauvola, Abagail Sauvola, Jordan Sauvola, Kacy Barney (Micah) and their children, Dutton, Graham, and Raina, Britain Sauvola, Scott Matson, Jr., Georgia Matson, Cache Lampinen (Kye) and their children, Vannon, Mylie, and Clay, Brooke Sikkila, Kate Sikkila Aho (Grant), Ellie Sikkila, Aliah Geesey, Jaxon Geesey (Brianne Seppala), and Cohen Sauvola; extended family members; dear friends; and countless brothers and sisters in Christ whose lives were touched by her love and faith. Glady was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lawrence “Larry” Sauvola; one sister and brother-in-law, Phyllis and Ken Sauvola; two brothers, Fratt Aho and Dave Aho; one brother-in-law, Dennis Kinnunen, along with other cherished family members who welcomed her home into eternity. Though her Earthly race is won, Glady leaves behind a legacy of bold faith, joyful hospitality, servant-hearted love, and devotion to God and family that will continue for generations to come. Visitation will be held 4:00-9:00 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2026, at Eastside Apostolic Lutheran Church, 2200 Mays Bridge Road, Greer, South Carolina 29651. Celebration of Life Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2026, at Calvary Church Greenville, 1500 West Parker Road, Greenville, South Carolina 29617, conducted by Pastor Roy Geesey. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Greer, South Carolina. Pallbearers will be Glady’s sons and grandsons. The family is gathering at the home of her son, Merle Sauvola, 360 Pine Drive, Greer, South Carolina, 29651. Online condolences may be made to www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Gladys Sauvola

October 7, 1952 - May 12, 2026