Gladys Houser's Obituary
Gladys Juanita Brown Houser departed her earthly home May 6, 2017 at her residence. Gladys was the first born of Elmer J. & Maggie May (Kinion) Brown. She was born October 9, 1915 in Luther, Michigan. She spent a short time in Waukegan, Chicago and Missouri, but the majority of her life was spent around Centerville. Gladys received her education from Centerville High School and would later graduate from Drake University with a Bachelors Degree in Education. On August 29, 1936, Gladys was united in marriage to Leo Curtis Houser in the Baptist Parsonage in Indianola. To this union a daughter Patricia Lou and a son James Lee were born. Mrs. Houser spent 35 years in education, teaching in country schools in Davis and Monroe counties and would later retire from Centerville Community Schools in 1980. After retirement; Gladys and Leo spent a lot of time traveling. Mrs. Houser belonged to several teaching organizations, as well as a circle at church, former member of the Hospital Auxiliary and a member of D.A.R. Gladys is survived by her daughter Patricia Murphy (Bert A.) of Bettendorf, son James Houser (Cynthia) of Perry, Georgia, four grandsons: Todd Murphy (Beth) of Fairfax, Virginia, Matthew Murphy (Lorena) of LeClaire, Iowa, Chad Houser (Christa) of Hiawassee, Georgia, Kurtis Houser (Allyson) of Atlanta, Georgia, nine great grandchildren: Rachel and Megan Murphy of Fairfax, Virginia, Madeline and Matthew II Murphy of LeClaire, Iowa, Nicholas, Michael and Christopher Houser of Hiawassee, Georgia, Barrett Houser and Clemmer Houser of Atlanta, Georgia, nieces, nephews & families. She is also survived by extended families, Duane & Judy Dawson of Milan, Illinois, Cecile Saner of Ottumwa and Donna Gardon of Johnston, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Leo on January 3, 2003, her parents, granddaughter, Michele P. Murphy, sister, Beulah, brother, Elmer "Bud" Brown. Mrs. Houser was a member of First United Methodist Church in Centerville. Pastor Shurmaine McAlpine will officiate her funeral at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at First United Methodist Church. Interment will be in Mt. Ararat Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at Thomas Funeral Home - 501 N. 18th St. - Centerville, Iowa. Memorials may be given to Blank Children's Hospital or St. Jude's Hospital and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gladys Houser please visit our Sympathy Store. Cemetery Details Mt. Ararat Hwy 2 East & 272nd Ave.
Centerville, IA 52544 Visitation MAY 9. 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CDT) Thomas Funeral Home-Centerville 501 North 18th StreetCenterville, IA 52544[emailprotected]http://www.thomasfh.com Funeral Service MAY 10. 10:30 AM (CDT) First United Methodist Church 410 North Main St.Centerville, IA 52544http://www.centervillefirst.org/
What’s your fondest memory of Gladys?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gladys?
Share a story where Gladys' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gladys you’ll never forget.
How did Gladys make you smile?