Gladys A. Bledsoe

GLADYS ALINE BLEDSOE, 95, of Creal Springs, Illinois, formerly of Chester, Illinois, passed away at 11:42 pm, Thursday, January 6, 2021 at SIH Herrin Hospital, Herrin, Illinois.

She was born to the late Walter Ray and Viola (nee Hughes) Jones on December 21, 1926 in Bluford, Illinois.

Gladys married Amos Franklin Bledsoe on April 10, 1944 in Olive Branch, Illinois; he preceded her in death on October 2, 1988.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Chester, Illinois. Gladys was strong, generous and hardworking. She loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren well and helped raise and shape all of them into the people they are today. Her great-great grandchildren were fortunate to know her love as well. She was always nurturing and caring for people, from her own siblings and family to working as a nursing assistant at Chester Memorial Hospital.

Over the years, she also worked at the shoe factory and at a meat counter at the local grocery store.

Gladys enjoyed cooking and baking for her family and friends. Her chicken and dumplings and her pies are family legends. She always tended a large, successful garden with a variety of vegetables, which she continued to maintain until a few short years ago. She also enjoyed playing cards and dominoes with her friends and family and piecing together puzzles.

Everyone who knew her, above all her family, will miss her wisdom and her love.

Survivors:

2 Children:

Gloria (Jerry) Cummins Creal Springs, IL

Frank (Cheryl) Bledsoe Homosassa, FL

2 Sisters:

Mary Hart Cheyenne, WY

Maxine Cravens Mt. Vernon, IL

6 Grandchildren:

Mary Kay Bledsoe Pinckneyville, IL

Todd (Rachel) Bledsoe Pinckneyville, IL

Jackie (Anthony) Fletcher Murphysboro, IL

Kelly McMullen Marion, IL

Stacey Ramsey Sparta, IL

Erin (Darren) Prange Campbell Hill, IL

10 Great Grandchildren

7 Great-Great Grandchildren

Preceded in Death by : Parents, Husband, 4 Brothers – Bob Jones, Walter Jones, William Jones and Clarence Jones and 2 Sisters – Irene Milliren and Ella Mae Jones

Funeral Service :

11:00 am, Saturday, January 15, 2021

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois

Officiating:

Dr. Mike Fogerson

Interment :

Paradise Cemetery

Steeleville, Illinois

Visitation:

Saturday – 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Pechacek Funeral Homes, Chester, Illinois