Gladys Lawrence

Gladys Marie Lawrence, 92, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, May 13, 2013 at Saint Francis Medical Center. She was born August 16, 1920 in Oran, Mo., daughter of Andrew and Regina Halter Kielhofner. She met and later married the love of her life, James William Lawrence on July 13, 1946 in Chaffee, Mo. He preceded her in death on August 28, 1997. Gladys worked at the shoe factory in Chaffee. She loved children and was a babysitter for many children over the years. She was a very giving person and loved to cook and bake for her family and many people in need. She was best known for the pies she baked, usually ten at a time, for others who lost a family member or simply needed cheering up. She volunteered for many years at the Missouri Veterans home and was a member of the American Legion Post in Cape Girardeau. She was a member of St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church and also frequently attended St. Mary's Cathedral. She was very devoted to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends and her fellow residents at Capetown Assisted Living Center. She never met a stranger and was always looking for ways to make new friends, comfort those in need and make sure everyone was well fed. Survivors include two daughters, Judy (Steve) Todt of Cadiz, Ky. and Linda (Mike) Shaffar of Jackson, Mo.; and one son, James (Cheryl) Lawrence of Cape Girardeau; a brother Harold (Luella) Kielhofner; a sister Mary Lou (Stanley) Radake of Afton, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Scott (Lanette) Smith of Washington, Mo., Rick (Dana) Smith of Lexington, Mo., Robert (Julianna) Smith of Dallas, Texas, Kyle (Jamie) Shaffar of Jackson, Micaela (Nathan) Kassinger of Cape Girardeau, Jessica (Brad) Hennemann of Perryville, Mo., Jill (William) Weiss of Haughton, La.; and 15 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Laverne Glastetter. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 pm on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at Ford and Sons Funeral Home on Mt. Auburn in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers and the rosary will begin at 7 pm. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday morning, May 16, 2013 at 11 am at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, with the Rev. David Hulshof and the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Cape Girardeau. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be given to The Food Pantry at St. Mary Cathedral.

Tributes

Gladys Lawrence

May 13, 2013