Gladys Irene Young

Gladys Irene Young, age 89, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2023 at Parkview Heights in Garnett, Kansas.

Gladys arrived into this world on July 9, 1933, near Westphalia, Kansas. She was the youngest child born to Elmer Hirt and Ethel Wagoner Hirt Woods. She graduated from Garnett High School in 1951. On July 22nd of that same year, she married Edwin "Sandy" Lankard at her parent's home near Harris, Kansas. Five children were born to this marriage. After Sandy passed away in 2003, she married Bob Young in 2005. They amicably parted ways in 2012 and remained special friends until he passed in 2018.

Throughout her life Gladys was a homemaker and gardener. Many of her early years were spent raising the kids, sewing, preparing wonderful meals, and helping Sandy with running the farm. During some of that time, she worked as a cook along with her mother at the Anderson County Hospital. In the springtime, Gladys grew and loved sharing her flowers with others. She also had a long-time tradition of baking and decorating Christmas cookies along with making her peanut-butter fudge. Family and friends looked forward to receiving a plate of her special treats during the holidays.
For many years Sandy and Gladys owned and operated Lankard's Feed Store until it was destroyed by a fire. They rebuilt the business on Highway 59, sold that building several years later and then continued the operation at their home on 7th Street west of Garnett until they finally "retired". They loved socializing and playing cards with friends that both had known since they were kids.

Gladys was a member of the hospital auxiliary and volunteered at the ARC Thrift Store. Most of all, she loved being an Avon representative which allowed her to know many people in the community.

Gladys was preceded in death by Sandy and their infant son, Michael Dale, in 1962. She was also preceded in death by her parents, sister Arvetta Weber, brothers Harold and Wayne Hirt, son-in-law Rick Aitken and many other relatives and dear friends.

Survivors include four daughters, Marilyn Lankard of Olathe, Kansas, Sandra Kueser (Dale) of Richmond, Kansas, Katherine Austin (Tim) of Burlington, Kansas, and Connie Martin (Terry) of Alma, Kansas. She also has five grandchildren; Sarah Kueser (Scott Marker), Amy (Ryan) Harris, Kelly (Josh) Wrestler, Kelsey Lyon, Amanda Patterson (Christopher Selfridge); three step-grandchildren, Kristin Martin, Ashley Mullins (Matt), Hannah Austin; six great-grandchildren, Kahlan Harris, Aiden Harris, Trey Sommer, Tucker Wrestler, Hudson Wrestler, Harlow Wrestler; three step great grandchildren, Jasper Malyn, Crew Mullins, Jaimi Marker (Lucky); one step great-great grandchild, Lenox Moungvong; long-time friend Virginia Anderson and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 24, 2023, at the First Christian Church with Pastor Chris Goetz officiating. Burial will follow in the Garnett Cemetery. Gladys' family will greet friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday evening at the Feuerborn Family Funeral Service chapel in Garnett. In honor of Gladys' memory, the family has suggested memorial contributions to the First Christian Church, Good Shepard Hospice or Parkview Heights. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.feuerbornfuneral.com