Gladys Ruble Stapleton

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, Gladys R. Kilgore Stapleton was called home with our Lord and Savior at the age of 83.

Gladys was the eldest daughter of Elmer Charlie Kilgore and Marie Thacker Kilgore of Wise, VA. Gladys spent her childhood and early adult years working on the family farm and in the family’s apple orchard business. This is where Gladys learned some of life’s most valuable lessons while developing her deep appreciation and great love for family. Gladys was never afraid of hard work and faced any challenge head on. With diligence, dedication, integrity, and loyalty she made sure to always do her best. When Gladys couldn’t be found attending to her household chores or taking care of her siblings, she could be found on the orchard either running farm equipment, picking apples, or assisting customers in the family owned and operated “Apple House”. She loved her life in Virginia, and she deeply loved her family, so much that once while in her early twenties, she found herself turning down a job offer with the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Not long after, Gladys was introduced to a young man named Ronnie Stapleton. The two soon fell in love and were married in August of 1962, eventually leaving Virginia, and becoming residents of Beckley, WV in 1964.

Gladys lived her life fully and her greatest passions came from her family. She adoringly loved her husband, forever cherished her children and grandchildren. She held with great value the many roles her life presented to her including, daughter, sister, wife, mom, cook, gardener, teacher, grandmother, friend, just to name a few. When times were good, she was the first to celebrate with you, giving you her smile, then giving thanks to God. When times were hard, she stood strong, provided the perfect amount of love and comfort needed, and then would remind us that in all things to “Be still and wait upon the Lord.” Gladys’ dedication and loyalty to her faith, family, and friends never wavered. She always treated the people around her with kindness, honor, and respect, whether deserved or not. She was a woman of few words, but when she spoke, she spoke volumes. Her strength was beyond compare, her spirit always gentle and sweet, and often she was referred to as “having the patience of Job”.

Gladys was preceded in death by her father, Elmer Kilgore, her mother, Marie Kilgore, a brother, Roger Kilgore, and her beloved husband of 59 years, Ronnie D. Stapleton. Thankful for every moment we have shared with this amazing, simply elegant woman and to forever cherish her memory, Gladys leaves behind 3 children (Michael, Darryl, and Hope), three grandchildren, (Mikey, Cody, and Emily), eight great grandchildren, a sister (Elizabeth Ann Culbertson of Lexington, KY), and many extended family including nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Per Gladys’ wishes, funeral services will be private and limited only to immediate family in the Kilgore Family Cemetery.

“ A rose once grew where all could see, sheltered beside a garden wall, And as the days passed swiftly by, it spread its branches, straight & tall… One day, a beam of light shone through a crevice that had opened wide – The rose bent gently toward its warmth then passed beyond to the other side… Now, you who deeply feel its loss, be comforted – the roses blooms there—it’s beauty even greater now, nurtured by God’s own loving care” – A.L. Frink

Online condolences and other information can be found by visiting www.blueridgefuneralhome.com

Blue Ridge Funeral Home, 5251 Robert C Byrd Drive, Beckley is honored to be assisting the Stapleton Family.