Gladys Geraldine Phipps, 85, of Kirksville, Missouri passed into eternity to see her Precious Lord and beloved husband on Thursday, September 15, 2011 at Twin Pines Adult Care Center.

The daughter of Earl and Maude (Shaffer) Pyle, she was born September 20, 1925 in Gifford, Missouri. On August 8, 1946, Gladys was united in marriage to Paul Burnell Phipps who preceded her in death on November 2, 2008.

Also preceding Gladys in death were her parents and four sisters, Wanda Byrn, Joyce Walgren, Blanche Helton and Thelma Lacer.

Gladys is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Sharon Phipps of Kirksville, MO; one brother, Clifford Smith of Peck, ID; five sisters, Dorothy Berry and Marjorie Mossbarger both of LaPlata, MO, Alice Slaughter of Kirksville, MO, Alma Amidei and husband Bruno of Bevier, MO and Ruth Hawkins and husband Willard of Kirksville, MO; three grandchildren, Tina McCulloch and husband Shawn of Jefferson City, MO, Lisa Stevens and husband Paul of Bixby, OK and Jeffrey Phipps of Kirksville, MO; four great-grandchildren, Laney Marie McCulloch, Race Aidan McCulloch, Copper Burnell Stevens and Malia Mae Stevens, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Gladys was a graduate from Gifford High School and attended the Kirksville Normal School, now (Truman State University). She taught in rural Macon County schools and was employed for twenty years at the ASCS office in Kirksville.

Gladys and her late husband, Paul, displayed and modeled a beautiful example of their love for each other to their children, grandchildren, family, and friends on how God designed marriage. One of her greatest joys in life was spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her encouraging and affirmative words to others have left a deep impact on those who knew her. She will be sadly missed.

Gladys became a Christian at a young age and her love for the Lord was radiant and displayed in every walk of her life. She was a faithful attendee of Mt. Carmel Church and Grace Community Bible Church.

Public visitation will be held Sunday (September 18, 2011) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday (September 19, 2011) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville, with Pastor Bob Shaffer officiating. Interment will follow the service at Parkview Memorial Gardens in Kirksville.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Gladys may be made to the Grace Community Bible Church/ Building Fund. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.