Obituary of Gladys E. Stephens

Gladys E. Stephens, 93, formerly of Wayland, NY died Sunday, August 11, 2013 at McCauley Manor, Hornell, NY after a long illness. She was born May 12, 1920 in Cohocton, NY the daughter of Howard and Edith Briglin Wheaton. On June 24, 1939 she married Reginald V. Stephens and together they celebrated 53 years before his death in February 1993. Gladys was also predeceased by her parents, brothers Merlin, Earl, McClaren, LaVerne: sisters Sylvia Incho, Elnora Wheaton, Jennie Bill, Mildred Fleishmann, Lola Inscho and grandson, William Bill. Gladys was a life member of the United Methodist Church in North Cohocton. A caring mother and homemaker, she enjoyed baking, knitting, gardening, traveling and spending time with her family. Gladys is survived by ten children: Reginald (Julie) Jr., Milton (Sherrie), Belmont "Bud" (Jacqueline), Edith (Gary) Bill, Linda (John) Brown, Rudy (Teresa), Wayne (Valerie), Gail Ackroyd, Daniel (Patricia) and Paulette Stephens. Twenty-seven grandchildren: Ward, Jason (Teresa) Stephens; Chad (Joni) & Brooks Haugse, Trista (Robert) Rybak; Kelly (Laurie) & Corey (Tammy) Stephens; Connie (Robert) Becker, Mark (Charlene) Stephens & Kristie (Rich Baird) Stephens; DeeAnna & Jeffrey Bill, Debra Mack; Bryan (Tracey) & Danyelle Brown; Reginald, Elizabeth & Russell Stephens; Sara (Devin) Brothers, Sondra (Josh) Dunn, Blair (Ken Baush) Greene; Nicole (William) Howe, Brad (Ashley Lagas) Fennell; Kyle (Jamie) & Leah Stephens; Bryce & Justin Recktenwald. Thirty-two great-grandchildren: Lacey Haugse, Khila & Gavin Rybak; Stephanie (John) Bennett, Austin (Katie Putnam) Stephens, Brandon & Haley Stephens; Laura & Robert Becker, Taylor Stephens; Brent & Ryan Gibbs, John & Ashlyn Phelps, James, Melissa & Chrisy Bill, Olivia Mack; Kelsea Deacon, Bryttani, Kayla, Logan & Kadyn Brown; Graycen Brothers, Cameron Dunn, Khloe Greene; Zoie & Quinn Howe, Olivia, Connor, Lucas & Blake Fennell. Two great-great-grandchildren: Orin Stephens, Trenton Buzard. Sister: Winona Burnette; brother-in-law Bernard Stephens; many, many nieces, nephews and cousins. Gladys' family would like to thank the nurses and aides at McCauley Manor for the wonderful care she received these last eight years. At the families request there was no prior calling. Her Service at the North Cohocton Methodist Church was presided by Rev. Corey Keyes and her burial in Clearview Cemetery, North Cohocton were both held privately.