Gladys Nitsch

Gladys Naomi Nitsch, 84, of Jackson passed away Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City, MO.

She was born November 23, 1932, in Oak Ridge, daughter of Virgil and Ada Ruesler Thompson. She and Robert "Bob" Nitsch were married September 23, 1951, at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson. They were married for over 56 years before he passed away on February 19, 2008.

Gladys was baptized March 19, 1933 and confirmed April 13, 1941, at Oak Ridge Methodist Church. She was a 1950 graduate of Oak Ridge High School. She worked at the Jackson Hosiery Mill for several years. She was also an accomplished seamstress, often sewing garments for herself and others.

Gladys and Bob farmed together and loved raising cattle and growing field crops. She enjoyed her large vegetable garden and canning. She was a longtime member of New McKendree United Methodist Church and a Sunday school teacher for over 30 years. She was a member and served on the boards of the United Methodist Women, the Martha and Mary Circle and Esther Circle. She helped prepare many meals at church. She was known for her homemade crescent rolls and chicken and dumplings.

She volunteered many years at the Southeast Missouri District Fair and served as chair for the inside concessions. She enjoyed quilting with fellow church members. She loved dancing, especially line dancing. She enjoyed playing cards with friends and hosting hayrides.

Loving survivors include two daughters and a son, Donna (fiancé Terry Pollard) Stovall of Jefferson City, Kevin (Brenda) Nitsch of Rochester, NY, Darla (Mark) Hemmann of Chesterfield, MO; and nine grandchildren, Logan (Erin) Stovall, Erin (Derrick) Cox, Daniel, David and Samuel Nitsch, and Parker, Taylor, Makayla and Payton Hemmann; one great-grandchild, Grace Cox; and a half-brother, Dale (Betty) Thompson.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, Glen and Nelson Thompson.

Friends may call Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at McCombs Funeral and Cremation Center Home in Jackson, and after 9:30 a.m. Saturday at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Revs. David Israel and Jimmie Corbin officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Heights Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to New McKendree UMC in Jackson or to the charity of your choice, in lieu of flowers.