Gladys Groves

Gladys was born on November 3, 1947 in Havre de Grace, Maryland. She passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2014 at her home. She was 66 years old. Her parents were Russell and Claudine Strohm. Glad 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, Oklahoma and continued her education at Friends Bible College in Haviland, Kansas. She then attended Friends University in Wichita, Kansas where she graduated in 1969. Her first job was teaching fifth grade at Sunnyside Elementary in Wichita, Kansas. She married Kenneth Groves on June 5, 1971. They moved to Howard, Kansas 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, Kansas. When the children were able to go to school, then it was back to teaching. She received her Masters 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 of Manhattan, Kansas and Joshua Jackson Groves of Wichita, Kansas. Grandchildren are Jackson Woodrow London and Kingston Jane London of Manhattan, Kansas. Additional survivors include her brother David Strohm and wife Judy, Colorado Springs, Colorado; foster parents the late Hershel Stanley and Arlene and husband Clint Hulsey of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; foster sister Connie and husband Jeff Johnson, Tulsa, Oklahoma; sister in law Cynthia and husband Jim Baker, Claremore, Oklahoma; and brother in law Dennis Groves and wife Jayne Link, Manhattan, Kansas. She also has many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her father Russell and mother Claudine. Gladys enjoyed quilting, playing Canasta and Bridge, growing flowers, traveling, bible study, church activities, enjoyed being GiGi spending time with her grandchildren, and also enjoyed being with relatives and friends. She was a member of PEO, Sorosis, Coterie, Calvary United Methodist Church, Allen County Retired School Personal, and a Mary Kay consultant. Glad 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: 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 2014 at Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Chapel in Iola. SERVICE: 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 30, 2014, at Calvary United Methodist Church in Iola MEMORIAL CHOICES: Allen County Hospice, Calvary United Methodist Church or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Research Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel in Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online or leave a condolence, go to www.iolafuneral.com .