Gladys Mohler

Gladys Lucille Mohler

Born to Edward and Esther Jaques on a farm near Altoona, Iowa in 1925, Gladys had a sister Grace, and brother Thomas. Gladys’ earliest memories were of both work and play on the farm, and frequent visits with close family members living nearby.

Her early education was in a one room schoolhouse situated on the edge of the farm and was the source of many fond early memories:  pranks among pupils, as well as disciplined study.

At the height of the Great Depression the family left the farm, moving first to the town of Berwick, and then to city of Des Moines, where Gladys graduated from East High in 1942.  She then found a job working in the Iowa state office of vital statistics during the War.  

Love entered her life one day in 1945 In a roller skating rink after troops had returned:  her friend MaryLou introduced her brother Dale to Gladys.  Gladys and Dale hit it off, and traveled to Los Angeles where they were married in early 1947.

More love entered her life with the birth of David in late 1947, and Gary in 1956. Gladys focused on the children and homemaking, while Dale worked in engineering for the telephone company.

Gladys and Dale were highly dedicated to doing the best for the wellbeing of their handicapped older son, and were persistent in this for the remainder of their lives.

Gladys remained close to her siblings their entire lives.  Gladys and Grace wrote each other often in the 1950s and 60s, and then spoke frequently after long distance calling became affordable.

After Gary left for college, Gladys worked in library services for the school district where she made close friends.

Gladys and Dale were always close.  Together they enjoyed local cuisine, shopping for and studying antiques, and traveling in the US and Europe.  Both were avid readers.  They could often be found sitting in the same room reading books that they would trade with each other when finished, and they shared stimulating discussions on the literature.

In 2006 and 2007 Gladys and Dale were finally given a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, bringing great joy to their lives.  

With the passing of Dale in 2009, Gladys’ way of life changed greatly.

In 2016 Gladys moved from her house to a senior living community where she enjoyed the company of companions, and stayed up-to-date on the family in Texas through daily chats with her son Gary.   

Gladys was dedicated to her fitness and lived fairly independently until the final year of her life.

Gladys has been described as welcoming, kind, warm, and calming.  It was her nature to be cheerful even in challenging circumstances, and to always focus on the needs of others.  Her last words, spoken to her son, were "Did you eat?”

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Dale Mohler, her sister Grace Brandon, and her brother Thomas Jaques. She is survived by her sons David Mohler, Gary (Sarah) Mohler, and her grandchildren Lucas and Reanna Mohler.