Gladys Groves

Obituaries

May 27, 2014 - 12:00 AM

Gladys was born on Nov. 3, 1947, in Havre de Grace, Md. She passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2014, at her home. She was 66 years old. 

Her parents were Russell and Claudine Strohm. Gladys attended many different schools as they moved on several occasions. At the age of 14 she lived with foster parents Hershel and Arlene Stanley. She graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, Okla. and continued her education at Friends Bible College in Haviland. She then attended Friends University in Wichita where she graduated in 1969. Her first job was teaching fifth grade at Sunnyside Elementary in Wichita.

She married Kenneth Groves on June 5, 1971. They moved to Howard where they both were teachers. When children came into the picture Gladys was a stay at home mother. In 1981, the family moved to Iola. When the children were able to go to school, then it was back to teaching. She received her master’s degree from Pittsburg State University in 1987. She taught at Allen County Community College and became the Adult Basic Education Director. She retired in 2005.

Her children are Jacqueline Jane Groves London, Manhattan, and Joshua Jackson Groves, Wichita. Grandchildren are Jackson Woodrow London and Kingston Jane London, Manhattan. Additional survivors include her brother, David Strohm and wife Judy, Colorado Springs, Colo.; foster parents, the late Hershel Stanley and Arlene and husband Clint Hulsey, Broken Arrow, Okla.; foster sister Connie and husband Jeff Johnson, Tulsa, Okla.; sister-in-law Cynthia and husband Jim Baker, Claremore, Okla.; and brother-in-law Dennis Groves and wife Jayne Link, Manhattan. She also has many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Russell and mother Claudine.

Glad enjoyed quilting, playing Canasta and bridge, growing flowers, traveling, Bible study, church activities, being GiGi and spending time with her grandchildren, and also being with relatives and friends. She was a member of P.E.O., Sorosis, Coterie, Calvary United Methodist Church, Allen County Retired School Personal, and a Mary Kay consultant. Gladys had many friends and was loved by all that knew her. She will be missed but we know she is in a better place. Glad is in heaven with her Lord.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. A funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Friday, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Iola.

Memorials may be made to Allen County Hospice, Calvary United Methodist Church or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research. Memorial gifts may be left with the funeral home. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Related
December 2, 2020
October 21, 2013
December 3, 2011
July 19, 2010