Gladys Lanphierd

Gladys Lanphierd
Gladys Irene Lanphierd of Midland, Michigan, died on February 4, 2026. She was born on August 18, 1936, in Roscommon, Michigan; one of 12 children of Palmer and Maggie (Mathis) Van-y.
Gladys was a social butterfly. She could make friends with anyone at any time, any place in the world. Whether it was her kindness or gentle caring attitude towards others, she had a personality that everyone drifted towards and enjoyed being around. She was often seen on the dance floor of the Sanford American Legion Post 443 or winning jackpots at the casinos' slot machines. She loved her family and cherished the times she was able to spend with her children and grandchildren.
Gladys married Larry Lanphierd on September 10, 1955, in Markey Township in Roscommon County, Michigan. Larry preceded her in death on February 20, 2001.
Gladys is survived by her children, Larry Lanphierd (Diane), Spencer Lanphierd (Cheryl), and Teresa Lanphierd-Rogers (Robert Rogers); her grandchildren, Nicholas Lanphierd (Amy), Nicole Mills (Nick), Natalie Nagel (Kris), Andrew Lanphierd (Nicole), Ryan Lanphierd (Kayla), Cody Lanphierd (Erica), Mackenzie Lanphierd (Nick Vorce), Cory Lanphierd, Emily Hill (Brent), and Erin Wenz (Mike); and 20 great-grandchildren with another on the way. She is also survived by her brothers, Richard Van-y and Kelly Van-y; her sisters, Esther Steinbacher and Ollie Behnke; and many loving nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Besides her parents and her husband, Gladys was preceded in death by her brothers, Alonzo Van-y, Mike Van-y, Pat Van-y, and David Van-y; her sisters, Hazel Prueter, Margaret Hogan, and Molly Fay; and a special friend of Teresa's, Jim Denison.
A funeral service for Gladys will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Home, 1200 W. Wheeler St., Midland. A committal service will follow immediately after the funeral at Midland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Family will greet guests starting on Monday, February 9, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM and on Tuesday one hour prior to the start of the funeral.
For those wishing to give in Gladys' name, you may want to consider the Sanford American Legion Post 443.
All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Lanphierd family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one. Condolences to the family may be made at wswfh.com.