Gladys Ann Thompson, 90, passed away Thursday, July 20, 2017, at her home in Jackson.

She was born on Valentine's Day, 1927, in Oran, Missouri, the daughter of Martin and Mayme Sietman Blattel.

Gladys married Charles E. "Ed" Thompson on May 8, 1948, in Oran at the Guardian Angel Catholic Church. He passed away June 17, 1992, after 44 years of marriage.

On March 20, 1949, a son was born, Ed "Eddie Ray" Thompson, at Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

Gladys was a full-time mom until 1955, when she was asked to help in the cafeteria at Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Jackson.

Her short stint of helping out lasted over 30 years. During that time, "Miss Gladys" served over 900,000 individual meals. She also became a teacher, mentor and friend to many of the students and parents. She really enjoyed it when some of the former students sent their children to I.C. School for her delicious lunches.

Gladys helped start the quilters club many years ago at the church, and the "quilting ladies" held a special place in her heart.

Her greatest joy came from her family. Over the years, Gladys and Ed had many adventures together, and she loved to share them with others.

She is survived by her loving son, Ed Thompson, who in 1972 married Marsha McHaney of Kennett, Missouri. They reside in Cape Girardeau.

Gladys also is survived by four grandchildren of whom she is very proud, Dr. Kristi (Keith) Baker, Dr. Christopher (Laura) Thompson, Dr. Jon Mark (Paige) Thompson and Lauren (Dr. Aneel) Jiwanlal, and six great-grandchildren, Kate, James and Bennett Baker, Amelia Thompson, Lucy Thompson and Cameron Jiwanlal.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Ray Blattel.

The family has been humbled by the immense response from her friends and family.

During her time with Saint Francis Hospice, she had wonderful, caring and compassionate caregivers. Thank you to all who loved her and came by to say goodbye this past week. A special thank you to Joe and Betty Starke, Shirley Weith and Peggy Thompson for the love and support they have been to her over the years. She was so appreciative of everything you did for her.

Another special thank you to Dr. Mark Milde for coming to visit and check in on her when Ed and his family would be out of town.

The visitation will be from 4 to 7:30 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson. A parish prayer service will begin at 7:30 p.m., followed by a Rosary said by the St. Ann's Sodality.

The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. Patrick Nwokoye and Monsignor Edward Eftink officiating. Entombment will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or to the Immaculate Conception Catholic School.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.