"We just got home after being away and saw that we lost Gladys. Was very sorry to see that she is gone from us. What a wonderful woman! She touched so many peoples lives and memories of her will continue to carry on through time. Condolences to her family and all she touched! Thanks Gladys!!!! Rich and Micki Naughton "
In loving memory of
Gladys L. Wright
February 28, 1930 - March 15, 2015
Gladys Lou (Hagan) Wright of Marshalltown passed away Sunday, March 15, 2015 at Southridge Nursing Home in Marshalltown. She was surrounded by loving family. Visitation and Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 21, 2015 at First United Methodist Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with services immediately following. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Iowa River Hospice or Animal Rescue League of Marshalltown. Anderson Funeral Homes are entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.andersonfhs.com.
Gladys, daughter of Bert and Cleo (McCully) Hagan was born February 28, 1930 in Milan, Missouri. She graduated from Centerville High School with the class of 1948, and then continued her education at Northeast Missouri State University, earning a BS in Education and a BA in Music. She was united in marriage to Harold Wright in 1950, and they were blessed with five children: Lou Ann, Harold, Cheri, Louis, and Michael.
Gladys taught school for over 25 years in the Marshalltown (Anson Middle School) and Moulton-Udel school districts, where she made an impact on the lives of countless students. Driving around Marshalltown in a white car with Nana W custom plates, she frequently ran into people she taught years before, cheerfully yelling Mrs. Wright! Her enthusiasm, humor, genuine interest in and love for people made her a special teacher. She was an excellent musician, singer, trumpet player, pianist and conductor. Lady could play a mean boogie-woogie on the piano and was well known for her moves while directing a choir. She taught Humanities and all varieties of Music throughout her career, helping her students put on a number of epic productions! Shortly before retiring from teaching, Gladys began working at Van Metre and Associates. As a realtor for over 20 years, she enjoyed a successful career helping people find homes, treating her clients like family.
Gladys was a member of the First United Church in Marshalltown. She served in many organizations during her life including the Marshalltown Board of Realtors and the Governors Commission on Youth in Iowa. She was a past president of the P.T.A. and a 50 year member of P.E.O.
In many ways, Gladys was herself, a charity. She had a habit of befriending, adopting, and taking under her wing those who needed it most. She was kind, loving, and generous; always willing to help or give. This included any nearby creatures, which were likely fed and treated well. Her pets were part of the family.
Survivors include her children, Harold Bert Wright of Le Grand, IA, Cheryl Lynn Lockhart of Le Grand, IA, Louis (Sam Lamport) Wright of Marshalltown, IA, and Michael John (Pat) Wright of Le Grand, IA; brother, John David Hagan of Naples, Florida, two nieces and their families; 13 grandchildren; and 23 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Cleo Hagan and her daughter Lou Ann Andersen, who passed in April, 2011.
Gladys was, first and always, devoted to her family. In turn, a great many people considered her to be the best Mother, Sister, Aunt, Grandmother or Nana that a person could ask for. Many more adopted her to those positions, and adored her just the same. While we firmly believe that she is in a better place, she will be missed, most dearly.
Tributes
"Mrs. Wright taught me vocal music at Seymour in my senior year 1964-65. She was a good teacher and a lot of fun to be around. Lou Ann was very close to my age and she would come to Seymour occasionally with Mrs. Wright to our night time operetta rehearsals. I didn't know Lou Ann had passed on until I read it in Mrs. Wright's obituary. I am saddened to hear of her passing. Good times........many years ago. My condolences to her remaining family."
"To the Family- so sorry for your loss. She was an amazing woman with so much to give. I had Mrs. Wright in school at Anson and she was by far, the best teacher ever. Always fun, upbeat and always a smile on her face. I was so happy to see her again when I worked at Southridge. I was nice to reminisce on memories of Anson. May God Bless all of you during this difficult time. She was definitely a woman who will forever hold a special place in my heart. Carrie"
"So sorry to hear about Gladys passing. I used to work at Southridge and she was one of the sweetest resident. She always had the time to talk and give me some motherly advise. She was a sweet and caring person and always make me feel special. Rest In Peace sweet lady, thank you for everything.
Ratna Fleig"
"Just to see the way"
"So many fine menories of Gladys it would be impossible to list them all. Her laugh was contagious and her life experiences brought her to a place of acceptance...."It is what it is- can't change it-it's time to move on". Her personality was so outgoing. she never knew a stranger. What a kind and giving lady. I am so blessed to have had Gladys in my life. Deb Chardoulias"
" I knew Gladys for nearly 36 years, first meeting Gladys when I student taught at Anson Jr. High. After graduating from College I started substitute teaching in Marshalltown. Whenever Gladys was absent, she would ask for me to take her class because it seemed no one else wanted to take her music classes. I readily took the classes because her student were well behave because she had them "trained" to act like young adults. She told me to have fun and enjoy the students and I know this is how she approached her classes/students throughout her career. Years later she continued to thank me for helping her out during her absent from class and would tell everybody she could at the nursing home what I did for her. That meant so much to me all these years later. For the past four years I visited my aunt nearly every day at Southridge Nursing Home where Gladys was living. I made it a point to see Gladys each day that I was there. Some days it was just a few minutes, but many times we would talk for two hours or more. Oh, the stories we would tell and the laughter that came from her room. Some times we were afraid that the staff was going to tell us to quiet down. She never failed to give me motherly advise and a few words of wisdom as I was leaving the room. One thing that stood out in my mind during these conversation was her love for her family. There was seldom a conversation that didn't include news or updates on the family. There was always a twinkle in her eyes when talking about family. She also loved her students and fondly reminisced about her career in education. I will miss these conversation, but I know Gladys is in a much better place and reunited with Luann. My prayers are with the Wright family as they deal with this difficult time. David Sharp "
"Gladys was like a mom to me she took me under her wing when she taught even got me in choir and I can not sing.but I stayed in it because she was an awesome teacher who became and wonderful friend and stepped in after I lost my mom and was there for me as always.wed talk on phone and It would be hours.I would call to ask her a question and three hours later wed get to reason I called. I will miss knowing I can't pick up the phone and call her.Mom was a Angel on earth and today my heart is there for you and all the hugs I can give.love you and will miss my friend my adobted mom Gladys will be missed.every day of my life and someday we will meet again and she will be leading the Angels in song.Malisa Seidl taylor"
"I first knew her as Mrs. Johnston then Mrs. Wright while I was a student at Anson Junior High School 1977-1980. Her wonderful friendship with me and her support of me as one of her show choir piano players was instrumental in leading me to my current career as a Broadway presenter and behind-the-scenes Broadway producer. She was well loved and forever will be missed. My life is better due to her support of me as one of many students she selflessly supported in the same way. My sincere condolences to Gladys's family. She was a wonderful person. Thank you for sharing her with the rest of us!!! ~Jeffrey Upah, General Manager, CTG/Ahmanson Theatre, Los Angeles, CA"
"Linda (Hanks) Hansen
It is with great sadness to hear of Gladys' passing. I have the most fond memories of our time spent together. She was a role model to be admired by everyone she touched. She will be greatly missed. My prayers and continued thoughts are with your family. "
"Mrs. Wright, touched so many of us.... such a Classy lady.....(the reason for the Elegant Candle). great times in her classes, she will be one that is truly missed. "
"She was my chorus teacher at Anson Jr. High and she was the best at what she did. She had a way of making every student she worked with feel like they were special to her. When I saw her in the later years after I had left Anson, she always had a friendly hello and a smile for me. She was a great person and will be missed by many. God bless her family at this difficult time. Jeff Tice "
"Harold Bert & family, I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother, I know it is a very tough time. My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. Harold Calvert, Ankeny, IA."
"Ah, Mrs. Wright's Anson Jr. High chorus class. Everyone's favorite. This woman is gifted, confident, lippy, and spectacular. The spirit that never dies. Thank you for all you shared. We appreciated it. Melissa Richards Springfield"
"The Messersmith family of Centerville is sending our thoughts your way. I taught in Marshalltown for 10 years at Lenihan and just down the street from Anson School. I always knew I could call on your mom if I needed something! She never knew a stranger. Sincerely, Julia and Gary Messersmith and family "
"Mrs Wright played a huge part in my music career. As my choir instructor, she was the first to encourage and teach me to accompany. She also encouraged Troy Ryner and myself to keep singing and competing together. She was like a second mother to me for many years. Heaven truly received a special angel. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Cathy Cripps"
"Mrs. Wright was the best, most enthusiastic music teacher and chorus director! I have many fond memories of singing in choir at Anson for her. RIP"
"My deepest sympathies to your family. Gladys was such a lovely lady. Her bright smile and warmth made my day whenever I seen her!"
"So sorry to hear of Mrs. Wright's passing. When i started my ninth grade year at Anson Jr High she had all the music ready from Grease because she knew she wanted to sing the songs. She organized our dance program that year. Our group danced the Charleston. It was a geat year & she was the best teacher! She will be missed.
Denise "Briggs" Navara
"
"This world was blessed with an amazing, talented, and loving lady! She was always a favorite teacher of mine and many others. I had several opportunities to visit with Gladys during my adult years, and she always greeted me with her cheerful smile and held onto my hand. Heaven gained a wonderful woman. God bless! Jessica Scarborough Sternhagen"
"I was one of those students she helped flourish! What a sweet soul, no one like her. May God bless her and keep her in His grace."
"She was one of my most influential mentors when I knew her at Anson Jr High. At a time when bullying was not a big social issue, she was a great advocate for the underdog and she helped me develop a sense of self confidence that has enriched my life ever since. "
"Cheri and Family Julie and I are sorry for your loss. Your mom was a very special lady and the memories you have will always be with you as a comfort and guiding light. We are in Arkansas until next week but will be thinking of you all. "
"To my second family, the Wrights. Words cannot express the sadness I feel . I know Gladys is in a better place and having a good time with Mama Cleo and Lou Ann. She taught me what unconditional love is. The times we would look at each other over some situation and then burst out laughing, warm my heart now. I will truly miss her the rest of my life. Bert, Cheri, Louis and Mike, my deepest sympathy to all of you. Thank you for sharing your mother with me."
"Gladys was a lovely woman ! She always was happy to see you and treated you as a real friend.. She will be missed by many ! Cindy Larson Doyle "
"Wright Family, Beautiful caring woman, loving Mother and Nana. Treasure your memories. So sorry for your loss."
"My thoughts and prayers to the family!!"
"So sorry to hear of your mom's passing Cheri. She was one special lady."
"Your family is in our prayers I had Mrs. Wright for a teacher back in the '80 she was such a blessing to so many of us."
"I remember Gladys like it was yesterday was a great woman very kind.Mike yer mom was awesome so very sorry for your loss been many years but did talk to friends who seen your mom @ nursing home always told them to tell her hello for me.take care my Ole friend"
"Where do I start to tell how much your Mom, and Nana meant to me. She became my friend when I was at Anson Middle School, when she was my Music Teacher and Humanities Teacher. I had a love for music and I still do. I was a very shy and had little self esteem. She made me feel so special and loved.She also brought Rock n Roll music into the school and of course it stirred some issues but she stood up for what she believed and we all love it. I remember when most of the 9th grade football players dressed up like women dancers we laugh till this day. Mrs Wright knew how to boogie. She could play the piano, directed the chorus and boogie all 3 at one time. She was a classy lady and heart that was so full of love. One day she took my face in both of her hands and made me look right into her eyes and she said in her loving voice " Teia" You are so special and you fill your dreams, you are loved and you can do whatever you want to do and don't ever let anyone tell you different. I have never forgotten that day. It was the last day of 9th grade and I was so scared to go to the High School. Through the years we did keep in touch and when we had the chance to visit, we could talk the hours away and when she would see me I would get the biggest hug and once again she would say I love you, you are special. I also admired her as a mom. She was a single parent raising 5 kids, she did great and she loved her children and Grandchildren. I am sorry for her family for the pain and loss of your mom and nana. We know she is dancing away with her daughter LuAnn in heaven. I will be thinking of all of you. Teia George Anderson."
"Gladys was a wonderful person to work with in real estate! She was honest and kind! She loved her family! You will be in our thoughts and prayers! To live in the hearts of others is not to die...
God bless you, Julie Blazek"
"Gladys was a Wonderful woman, with the warmest of hearts! She was my Great Aunts roommate at Southridge. You will be missed by all who knew u! Thinking of the family and friends of gladys! You will be missed! Love you. Krissy Chapman"
"Gladys was a Wonderful woman, with the warmest of hearts! She was my Great Aunts roommate at Southridge. You will be missed by all who knew u! Thinking of the family and friends of gladys! You will be missed! Love you. Krissy Chapman"
"My deepest sympathies to all the family. Heaven has a beautiful loving angel in their kingdom. I'm so glad I got to see Gladys the last time I was in Iowa. Love & hugs to you all. You will be in my prayers.
Love
Cindy Davis"
"Beautiful Leigh. Thank you!!"
"Thank you! I know she loved her special bond with your class, Elaine. Sorry to hear about Dwight and Robert. I'm sure you're right, probably having a great time!"
"Mrs.Wright was one of the most fun,caring ,outgoing ladies I have ever met!!! She ALWAYS made music a wonderful experience for ALL of us kids at Anson Jr. High....Mrs.Wright will always have a special place in my heart...One of my best anf most fun memories was when we did the Micheal Jackson Thriller dance number!!! One of the coolest ladies I knew "
"Mrs Wright was one of my absolute favorite teachers in jr high! She always had a smile and kind words for all her kids, and was there when any of us had a problem"
"Share your favorite memory here, or leave a condolence for the family..."
"She was a great women I had the pleasure to take care of daily. I loved her like my grandmother."
"Thinking of the Wright family, a very gracious lady. Steve and Mary Keen"
"so sorry for your loss. she was a great teacher, and left her mark on many. God speed Mrs. Wright "
"I remember her as a teacher at Anson. Gladys was always larger than life and I enjoyed having her as a teacher !! Prayers to the family. God Bless, Tracy Everts"
"I am honored to have been hugged many years by Gladys . She brought many years of joy and laughter. She was very influential in helping me get my start in real estate. She will be truly missed by many. Sending hugs to heaven to a very special angel."
"Bert, Cheri, Louie & Mike, Mom has always been Special to me. It always amazed me how she could handle any situation or anyone. We all looked up to her which made her a Great Mom!!! I will never forget the 1st time she introduced me to Uncle Luther and the first time I walked into her classroom and she yelled sit down and Shut up, can't you see I have company. Heaven truly gained a Fun loving & Caring Angel!"
"To all of Gladys' family, please know that you have my deepest sympathy. Mrs. Wright was my music teacher at Moulton-Udell for many years and was the 1971 Senior Class Sponsor. The class of 1971 holds fond memories of Mrs. Wright. We all shared many fun times at solo contests, but especially on our senior trip to Washington D.C. Mrs. Wright was not only our teacher, but she was our friend. Many of us confided in her and she gave us guidance. She would go out of her way to help us. Mrs. Wright traveled to Moulton for a couple of our class reunions thru the years, even bringing a birthday cake for Dwight and me since our birthdays were right around that time. Seven of us from the class of 1971 went to see Mrs. Wright about 3 years ago. We picked her up in a limo and took her out to lunch. We had all been in the play, "South Pacific" during our senior year and it was so fun to spend time with her and sing the songs and relive the memories. We had a wonderful day with her. She called me about two days later just to talk. Unfortunately, 2 of 7 that went to see her that day 3 years ago have also passed on. I can just see her up in heaven having a blast with Dwight and Robert.
Please know that we will all miss her very much. She made a great impact on our lives.
Elaine Harmon"
"My thoughts and prayers Glady's family. She was such a wonderful lady. She was one of my favorite teachers in junior high. She will be missed very much."
"Thank you for all that you have done for so many people.
Anthony Stone class of 84
Anita Stone Wright class of 85"
"Mike, Sheri, Louie, and Bert.... My heart is saddened and heavy with grief as we have lost a wonderful woman. However, I also want you to know that we should celebrate Gladys' life as she is now with Lou and singing in the choirs of heaven!! The memories I have are dear and precious to me and bring me many smiles. I am eternally grateful that she helped me become a better person with a deeper understanding of what is truly important in life.. to have faith in GOD and to love our family and our friends! I always felt this quote from Mother Theresa captured the essence of who Nana Wright is... People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway. If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway. What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway. The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway. You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway. Gladys' legacy will live through all the lives she touched over the years and how we approach the journey called life... To honor her memory...let us live our lives to the fullest, love unconditionally, and laugh often!! She will always be in our hearts and the world is a better place because of who she was and what she has taught us.... The Bauders...Leigh, Nicole, and Emmett "
"Bert. Drew, Luke, Sheri, and family. I never really knew your mother except through talking with you, but that was enough to make me understand what a truly special Lady she really was. My condolences go out to you and your family during this sad and difficult time. Your Friend always, Dean Fiscus"
"Ms. Wright was a great music & humanities teacher, one of my favorite at Anson Junior High. She was always so positive and happy, always lending an ear and helpful advise, she was a teacher you could go to for help. I was very fortunate to see her a lot these past few years because my Dad was in the same nursing home as her, thou he got to go home, I still stopped in to say hi. I will miss our visits. She will be forever imprinted in my memories with nothing but happy memories. I won't be waving at the window anymore when Mickey and I walk by the nursing home hoping to see her in the window waving back this summer. She will be greatly missed and fondly thought of... "
"Sorry to hear about MOM, prayers to you Mike, Burt, Sheri, Louis. Will miss her very much. Kelly S."
"I am so sorry to hear of Gladys passing. She was a great women and I had so much fun working with her at VanMetre's. Never a dull moment when she came into the office. She had so much love to give to everyone she knew and she knew many. Prayers for all of you and if you nee anything you know where I live. Love and hugs to all. Linda Bottema"
"Wright Family We are sorry to hear about Gladys passing we know you will really miss her. She was such a cheerful lady. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do please let us know. Kevin & Jean Huseboe"
"I am so saddened to hear of your loss. Gladys was such an inspiration to so many people. She would bring tears to my eyes with laughter when she was telling her stories and we laughed at so much together while working at Van Metre Realty. I truly believe she shared a part of her from students to clients and she will always be remembered fondly and with love. God Bless you thru this sad time. Valerie Alkire"