Tresa Gleeson

Tersa Martz Gleeson, Born June 30, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away on November 18, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family.

Tersa was the beloved daughter of Martha Jane (Bolender) Martz and Charles H. Martz, and the only girl between brothers, Robert and Charles Ray. She cherished her early years in Indianapolis-towering trees, changing seasons, and a close-knit circle of cousins. When her father’s health declined, the family moved to Phoenix, Arizona, where Tresa learned early how to adapt to the desert heat and the challenges that life brought.

Childhood illness often kept her home, but it never diminished her intelligence or determination. Her father taught her math during long days of recovery, and she later advanced two grade levels when she returned to school. She found friendship in Rainbow Girls and went on to graduate from West High School at just sixteen.

During these years, she met the love of her life, L.D. Alfred Gleeson, thanks to a blind date arranged by her brother. Their bond endured L.D.’s Military service, and the two married on June 6, 1954, at First Baptist Church in downtown Phoenix. Together they welcomed four children, one biological son and three daughters adopted into their hearts and home. Tresa poured her whole spirit into motherhood: sewing cloths, cooking unforgettable meals, and supporting L.D. as he built their construction business.

Tresa was known for her creativity, leadership, and generous heart. She served as the PTA president, Brownie troop leader, and volunteer in the Washington School District, she mastered quilting, Photography, and needlework, and she found joy in collecting dolls and pottery-always eager to learn, research, and share what she discovered.

Travel was woven throughout her family’s life, from camping trips to cross country adventures. After L.D. suffered two heat strokes, the family eventually moved to Cortez, Colorado, in 1981, building a new home and community. There, Tresa continued to serve, helping to establish Heart to Heart, a crisis center for young women-one of her proudest accomplishments.

Later in life, Tresa embraced a steady faith that brought her comfort and purpose. She taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and became a cherished friend and mentor to many. Above all, she created a home where everyone felt welcomed and cared for. Her pies won county fair ribbons, her Mexican food was unmatched, and her holiday gatherings were unforgettable. She cared for her aging parents with deep devotion and kept her father’s butcher block in every kitchen she had.

In March 2020, Tresa was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. Even then, she continued teaching caregivers to cook, sharing wisdom, and savoring time with the people she loved. She adored her cats, her chocolate, her puzzles, and the husband she spent seventy years beside in the home he built for her.

Tresa will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, creativity, and the quit strength that touched every chapter of her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love that lives on in her family, her friends, and all those she welcomed though her doors.

Tresa is survived by her children: John D. Gleeson, Salli Ann McCartin (Tim), Susan Kidd (Mitch), and Karen Hensley (Lonnie). She is lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Will Gleeson, Richard Kidd (Brandi), Sarah Plunkett (Joe), Jeff Kidd (Keslie), Hayley Roberts (Kyle), Nathan Hensley, Matt McCartin; and by her great-grandchildren: Lexie, Makenna, Easton, Scarlett, Harper, and Jaxon.

She is preceded in death by her husband, L.D. Gleeson; her grandson, Alex and Brad Gleeson; her daughter-in-law, Mary Jo; and her son-in-law Timothy McCartin.

After a lifetime of loving, serving, creating, and giving, Tresa now rests in peace. We rejoice knowing she has received her crown of glory and is finally home, whole and restored.