Gladys Thomas

1923 - 2025

Gladys Thomas

June 6, 1923 - December 6, 2025

Gladys Thomas, 102, of Normal passed away on December 6, 2025. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 11th at Normal First United Methodist Church. The funeral will follow at 11 a.m. The Rev. Kent King-Nobles will officiate. Interment will be in Hudson Cemetery, Hudson.

Gladys was born June 6, 1923, in Taylorville, Ill., a daughter of Hugh and Edna Redfern Breckenridge. Gladys's mother died when she was two years old. Her father then married Nellie Erwin Breckenridge. She was raised, with love and joy, on the family farm. She married Woody Thomas of Hudson, July 23, 1950, at Taylorville. He died January 19, 1971.

Survivors are daughters, Susan (Keith) Hospelhorn and Sally Thomas grandsons, Jason (Liz) Hospelhorn and Adam (Ashley) Hospelhorn and great-grandchildren, Sophia, Abby, Sarah, Hannah, Kinley and Carter Hospelhorn. Her parents and a brother preceded her in death.

Gladys graduated from ISU in 1945 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. She taught in District 87 at Washington School for nine years and later at Centennial School for 17 years. Gladys was a member of Normal First United Methodist Church, Vesper Circle, Lambda Chapter Alpha Delta Kappa, Normal Unit of HCEA, Bloomington Chapter 50 Order of Eastern Star, McLean County Retired Teachers and Illinois Retired Teachers.

Gladys was a talented second grade teacher who inspired both of her daughters to become teachers. Following her retirement from teaching in 1987, she volunteered in numerous organizations and enjoyed reading, traveling and gardening. She especially enjoyed her yearly trips to Destin and Sanibel Island, Florida with her daughters until age 95. Family always remained her prime focus. She was a devoted mother and much loved "Grams" to her grandsons and "T" to her great-grandchildren. Mom was the matriarch of our family. Her wisdom and sense of humor was treasured by all. Mom always looked to the positive saying, "Take one day at a time and live each day to the fullest."

Memorials may be made to Normal First United Methodist Church or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolences and memories of Gladys may be left for her family at kiblerbradyruestman.com.