Gladys I. Shirley
Age 90, of Minerva died Monday Aug. 12, 2013 in the Great Trail Care Center. She was born May 27, 1923 in Minerva to Forest and Laura (McElravy) Willis. She was a housewife and had worked at the Liberty Bell in Minerva. She is a member of the Canton Baptist Temple where she taught the 2 yr. old Sunday School Class for over 20 years. She is a 60 plus year member of the Robertsville Grange.
She is preceded in death by her husband, John "Jack" Shirley in 1998, whom she married May 29, 1941, 2 sisters, Joan Phillips and Twila Rodgers and a brother, Lloyd Willis. She is survived by her daughter, Jeanette (Harold) Smith of Minerva, 2 sisters, Patricia (Jim) Morckel of Minerva and Charlotte (Ron) Davies of Minerva, brother, Raymond "Skip" Willis of Minerva, 2 grandsons, Kevin Smith of Minerva and Kurt (Betsy) Smith of Westerville, 5 great grandchildren; Ryan Smith of Minerva, Olivia, Alexyss, Austyn and Ian Smith of Westerville.
Funeral services will be Thursday at 12:00 noon in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva with Chaplain Larry Karlen officiating. Burial will be in East Lawn Cemetery. Calling hours will be one hour prior to services on Thursday. The family would like to thank the staff of the Great Trail Care Center and Crossroads Hospice for their care and understanding of this special lady. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.