Obituaries

Gladys Lynette Russell, 93, of Kanawha passed away Friday, February 25, 2000 at the Kanawha Community Home in Kanawha, Iowa.

Gladys, the daughter of Austin and Mariane (Johnson) Espe was born November 12, 1906 in Wright County south of Kanawha.  She grew up south of Kanawha where she attended school.  She graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1925, where she received her Normal Training Teaching Certificate.  She then taught in the rural Wright County schools.  Gladys was united in marriage with Glenn Russell on November 24, 1938 at the home of her parents. Following their marriage, the couple lived in Belmond for several years, before moving to their home place south of Kanawha in 1948.  Gladys continued teaching throughout her life, retiring from the Kanawha School in 1965.

Gladys was a baptized and confirmed member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church, where she was a lifelong member.  Her life was centered around her church.  She was a member of the ELCW, Circle Bible Study and taught Sunday school for many years.  She was also a member of the Home Study Club in Belmond.  Gladys enjoyed spending time with family and friends, having coffee company and doing crossword puzzles.

Gladys is survived by one daughter Marcia Kreitlow and her husband, Harley of Kanawha; two grandchildren Patricia Kreitlow of Ankeny and Douglas Kreitlow and his wife, Diana of Kanawha; three great-grandsons Benjamin, William, and Joshua; one brother Lawrence Espe and his wife, Alice of Clarion, and two sisters-in-law Fances Espe of Portland, Oregon and Doris Bonte of Belmond and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Glenn in 1994 and three brothers Clarence, in infancy, Harlan, and Leroy.