Gladys Marriott

Gladys Marriott, 83, Raytown, MO, passed away June 30, 2005 at Hidden Lakes Retirement Center. A visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., on Tuesday, July 5, at Sheil Colonial Chapel, 47th St., at Blue Ridge Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 6, at the Chapel. Burial in Floral Hills Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Kansas City Hospice. Gladys was born January 3, 1922 in Spearman, TX, to Lew and Bessie (Irons) Armstrong. She graduated from Northeast High School. Gladys married Lloyd H. Marriott on September 28, 1941, and the shared 56 years of marriage until his death in 1997. Gladys was a Missouri State Representative for 22 years. First elected in 1966 she was considered a trailblazer as one of only seven women elected to serve in the House that year. She was a "grass roots" politician who spent many hours meeting with her constituents. Her ability to form consensus even amongst opposing groups was legendary. Her work as chairman of the House Retirement Committee brought her state and national recognition. She retired from politics in 1988. Gladys was a past president of the National Order of Women's Legislators, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a past deaconess at New Hope Christian Church. Family members who will miss her include daughter Margie Ann Fitterling and husband Michael, Joplin, MO, and daughter Nancy Jane Nauser and husband Larry, Independence, MO; three grandchildren, Karen Eckhardt and husband Rocky, David Fitterling, and Christopher Nauser; and two greatgrandchildren, Emma and Rachel Eckhardt; two sisters, Lula Mae Fritz, Kansas City, MO, and Mamie Gilio, Phoenix, AZ, and many nieces and nephews. Gladys enjoyed cooking for family and friends. She was a patriot who believed in God, family, and service to the community. She taught not only by words but with action. She will live in our hearts forever. (Arr; Sheil Colonial Funeral Home.)