Athens, Ohio
1931 - 2021 (Age 90)
Athens Gladys Elinor Gallaway, 90, passed away on Monday, Dec. 13, 2021. She was the daughter of the late William and Elsie McGhee. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Lowell Gallaway, and two infant grandchildren, Jennifer and Aleksander Kroutel.
Gladys was born in Detroit Michigan on Oct. 5, 1931. She grew up in Maumee, Ohio and attended the Ohio State University where she received her Bachelor's in Education. After moving around the country as her husband rose up the academic ladder, Gladys and Lowell finally settled in Athens, OH in 1967.
Gladys was an active community member as well as a long time teacher. She taught fifth grade at Morrison Elementary School from 1978 to 1995. Many students will fondly remember some of her cheers for learning state names.
Gladys was a founding member of the local group Athens Friends and Neighbors. Through that group she taught many community members how to play and love Bridge. From 1974 - 1979, Gladys was a Girl Scout leader for Troop 1112. She made a tremendous impact on many local girls during this time. At one time, she had the largest Girl Scout troop in the United States.
Gladys is survived by her children, Kathleen (Richard) Searles, Michael (Guinivere) Gallaway and Ellen (Mark) Kroutel; six grandchildren, Logan (Jennifer) Gallaway, Marjory (Andrew) Johnson, Heather (Patrick) Giles, Kirby (Lisa Vore) Gallaway, Allyson Kroutel and Katarina Kroutel; and great-grandchildren, Luz and Joe Gallaway. She is also survived by brother, Robert (Diane) McGhee; two sisters, Virginia (Dick) Dean and Patsy Suter; sister-in-law, Louise (John) Kish; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her caregivers Dina Ball, Lili Cole, Becky Howard and Jeanna Nicholas.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, Dec. 19 at 1 p.m. at The Plains United Methodist Church with Rev. Dan Fuchs officiating. Burial will be in Alexander Cemetery.
Friends may call Saturday 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. Please wear a face coving while attending the services.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Athens City School District Food Pantry, ACSD Central Office, 21 Birge Dr., Chauncey, OH 45719.
Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com. Gladys Gallaway
I fondly remember learning the 50 states in fifth grade thanks to Mrs. Gallaway's creative teaching methods. I even use them in my own classroom now to help my students when we are using maps in science class. My son is a fifth grader this year and I'm excited to pass on Mrs. Gallaway's fun mnemonic devices with him. She was a wonderful teacher and will be greatly missed.
Brittnee Lydy
January 04, 2022 | Yellow Springs, OH | Student
Fondly remember 5th grade with her! Going on my 26th year teaching now, most of it at 5th grade myself! She shaped many of my teaching philosophies.
Elizabeth Crouse
December 21, 2021 | Riverview, FL | Student
My deepest condolences to the Gallaway family!
Tuesdee Sharpe
December 21, 2021 | Naples, FL | Friend
This makes me so sad. She was one of the only teachers I ever had who made me feel like I was good enough. My thoughts are with the family. She was a kind person who took so much time to help me believe in myself. I'll never forget learning and memorizing the states and their Capitals. She was a gem and her impact on my life is far reaching.
Jason Bernard
December 21, 2021 | Athens, OH | Student
We have known both Gladys and Lowell Gallaway for the last 50 years. Lowell and Raj koshal have been colleagues at the Department of Economics. Gladys taught fifth grade children at Morrison Elementary School. Our both children Vinita and Vipin were her students and both have fond memories of her. She was a great inspirer Manju and Gladys had coffee get togethers many times at each other's homes. She was a gracious, hospitable, loving and charming host with a big heart. Also a great cook....
Manjulika Koshal
December 21, 2021 | Athens, OH | Friend
We were sad to learn about the passing away of our dear friend Gladys Gallaway. Both Lowell and Gladys have been our friends for more than fifty years. Raj and Lowell were colleagues at the department of Economics and Gladys taught our children at Morrison Elementary in the fifth grade. Both Vinita and Vipin have fond memories of her. Later after retirement also we continued meeting in potluck dinners, dinners at each other's homes and coffee parties. Gladys was a gracious host, loving and...
Manjulika Koshal
December 21, 2021 | Athens, OH | Friend
Very sad to hear of her passing. One of the best at Morrison Elementary.
Kari Logan (VanNest)
December 21, 2021 | Lakemont, GA
My deepest sympathies to the Gallaway family. I have many fond memories of Mrs. Gallaway. Her enthusiasm for teaching still sticks with me. Her state chants have proven handy for me in many trivia games. I developed a love of history in her classroom as well. She was one the major influences on my choice to become an educator. Her impact is far reaching.
Stephanie Nisley More
December 20, 2021 | Athens, OH | Student
To the Gallaway family: we're truly sorry for the loss of Gladys and the hole her passing has left in your hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you for peace and comfort as you remember her and celebrate her life. Our sympathies.
Joni and Bill Seal
December 20, 2021 | Lewis Center, OH | Friend