Gladys M. Herren

ABINGDON - Gladys M. Herren, 97, a resident of the Marigold Health Care Center in Galesburg and formerly Moon Towers in Galesburg and of Abingdon, died at 10:25 a.m. Monday, May 8, 2006, at the Marigold Health Care Center.

She was born on May 4, 1909, in Summum, Ill., in Fulton County to Virgil and Alice Foutch Freiley. She was raised by her stepfather and mother, Orlo and Alice Grove. She married Loren Herren on Sept. 23, 1932, in Rushville, Ill., and they were married for 52 years. He preceded her in death on Feb. 3, 1985.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather; one son, Virgel Herren; a stepson, Loren Lee Herren; an infant stepdaughter, Virginia Herren; two half brothers; and two infant great-great-grandchildren.

Surviving are one son, Roger Herren of St. Louis, Mo.; two daughters, Alene Herren of Galesburg and Mary (Clinton) Spurlock of Pittsfield, Ill.; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren, one of whom was born on her recent birthday, Yesenia Candelaria.

She attended school and graduated from the junior high in Bushnell, Ill. She had lived most of her married life in the Abingdon area. She worked at the former Abingdon Blue Bell Manufacturing Company. She and her husband farmed for many years near Cherry Grove, north of Abingdon, and later worked as a cook at Knox College in Galesburg, retiring in 1971. She and her husband spent many winters in Clearwater, Fla. She, her husband and son, Roger, also spent two weeks in Germany.

She was a member of the Abingdon Christian Church. She was also a member of the Abingdon Garden Club. She was an avid quilter having quilted over 100 quilts and baby quilts. She also crocheted afghans and potholders, decorated pillowcases and taught many Abingdon women the art of quilting. She also worked in the clothing room at the Galesburg Rescue Mission when she was in her 80s.

As a young lady living in Galesburg, she saw Lake Storey being dug out, the brick being laid on Broad Street in Galesburg and the trolley cars that operated in Galesburg.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 11, 2006, at the Hinchliff-Pearson-West Abingdon Chapel. The Rev. Ron Scarlett will officiate. Burial will be in Abingdon Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour before the service Thursday at the chapel.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.