Gladys Lawrence

Gladys Marie Lawrence, 92, of Cape Girardeau passed away Monday, May 13, 2013, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

She was born Aug. 16, 1920, in Oran, Mo., daughter of Andrew and Regina Halter Kielhofner. She married the love of her life, James William Lawrence on July 13, 1946, in Chaffee, Mo. He preceded her in death Aug. 28, 1997.

Gladys worked at the shoe factory in Chaffee. She loved children and was a baby sitter for many children over the years. She was a very giving person and loved to cook and bake for her family and many people in need. She was best known for the pies she baked, usually 10 at a time, for others who lost a family member or simply needed cheering up.

She volunteered for many years at the Missouri Veterans Home. She was a member of the American Legion Post in Cape Girardeau and St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, and she frequently attended St. Mary's Cathedral.

She was very devoted to her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, friends and fellow residents at Capetown Assisted Living Center.

She never met a stranger and always was looking for ways to make new friends, comfort those in need and make sure everyone was well-fed.

Survivors include two daughters, Judy (Steve) Todt of Cadiz, Ky., and Linda (Mike) Shaffar of Jackson; a son, James (Cheryl) Lawrence of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Harold (Luella) Kielhofner of Oran; a sister, Mary Lou (Stanley) Radake of Affton, Mo.; seven grandchildren, Scott (Lanette) Smith of Washington, Mo., Rick (Dana) Smith of Lexington, Mo., Robert (Julianna) Smith of Dallas, Kyle (Jamie) Shaffar of Jackson, Micaela (Nathan) Kassinger of Cape Girardeau, Jessica (Brad) Hennemann of Perryville, Mo., and Jill (William) Weiss of Haughton, La.; and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a sister, Laverne Glastetter.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home. Parish prayers and the rosary will begin at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Vincent de Paul Church, with the Rev. David Hulshof and the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Catholic Social Ministry Food Pantry.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.