Gladys Louise Crocker

Gladys Louise Crocker, devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, entered into rest on April 27, 2017 at the age of 89. She was born March 13, 1928, the fourth child of August and Mary Grafel in Culbertson, NE.  Gladys grew up on the family homestead and graduated from Culbertson High. She met Leo Crocker at a local dance, love blossomed, and they were married May 23, 1946 in McCook. Leo and Gladys farmed southeast of McCook, as the third generation, on the Crocker homestead.

Together they made their way through life, raising their family, faithfully following their children’s athletics and being active members of the community. She was a member of the Socialbelles extension club and the Memorial United Methodist Church.

As her family matured, Gladys began working at JC Penney, beginning as their ‘alteration lady’ in the men’s department.  She retired from JC Penney in the mid-1990s after over 40 years of service.

Gladys was the proud mother of Mary Lea (Michael) Herrmann of Clawson, Michigan; Shirley Ele of Holland, Nebraska; Thomas (Charlotte) Crocker of Moorpark, California; Deborah (Joseph) Blackmore of Kalama, Washington, and Ronald (Lisa) Crocker of McCook, Nebraska. She cherished her 16 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

She found much joy in her church activities, family gatherings, tending to her yard, volunteering with the ‘good friend’ program and her PEO sisters. She also loved to quilt and each grandchild received one as a baby and again as a high school graduate. Favorite memories of her grandchildren include learning how to sew, the aroma of fresh baked cinnamon rolls and family Christmas plays.

Gladys was preceded in death by her beloved husband Leo; parents; brothers Raymond, Harry and Harlan Grafel; and sister Grace Dack, one sister-in-law and three brothers-in-law. She is survived by her sisters Beulah Brown, Fort Morgan, Colorado and Donna Hoxie, Lincoln, Nebraska and her brother Elmore (Beverly) Grafel, Culbertson, Nebraska.

While we will miss her dearly we are comforted by the thought that she is joined once again with the love of her life, Leo, for all eternity.

Visitation will be Monday, May 1st from 2pm – 8pm at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, with the family greeting friends from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. on May 2, 2017 at Memorial United Methodist Church in McCook, Nebraska.  Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the family for later designation.