Gladys Mae Medberry of Wheaton, IL and previously of Freeport, IL died on Friday, July 17, 2026 of natural causes at the age of 97. She was born May 1, 1929 to Albert S. Meyer and Elsie Marie (Willman) Meyer in Winneshiek County, near Ossian, IA. Gladys was preceded in death by her late husband Gene Medberry, in 2020, after '70 years together, and late brother-in-law and sister, Harold and Kathleen Burshtan (Wheaton, IL). 

Gladys enjoyed her; 5 godchildren- Barbara Redican (Blacksburg, VA), Jacqueline Kinslinger (Buffalo, IA), Ben Tomsheck (Lynwood, WA), David Burshtan (Huntington Beach, CA) and Tracy Gates (Geneva, IL); nephew David Burshtan, niece Tracy Gates and 6 great nephews and nieces; Bobby Gates, Bailey Gates, Morgan Burshtan, Sydney Burshtan, Lindsey Burshtan and David Burshtan Jr; cousins Renee Bernath (Long Beach, CA), Kathy Snitker (Postville, IA), Sherri Oman (Mesa, AZ), Ford Willman (Maricopa, AZ), Barbara Redican (Blacksburg, VA). 

Gladys attended Woodland School, a country school until the 4th grade, when her family moved to Postville, IA. She graduated from Postville High School in 1947. Gladys was the first female selected to attend the distinguished Iowa American Legion Auxiliary 'Girls State' in Des Moines, IA in 1946. She attended DeAnza College in Cupertino, CA and San Jose State University in San Jose, CA, where in 1973 she graduated with distinction and a B.A. in Social Services. She worked many places, including church secretary at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Postville, IA, Collins Radio, Cedar Rapids, IA, Honeywell, Denver, CO and Santa Clara Social Services in San Jose, CA where she remained 20 years until she retired in 1994. She was a volunteer for the Santa Clara Mental Health Association, as well as for the Hospice Program in Freeport, IL. She also enjoyed hearing about faith, nature and travel. 

Gladys dearly loved her family and so very many friends, and they all DEARLY loved her too. We look forward to seeing you in heaven, Gladys.