Gladys Marie Robinett

Gladys Marie Robinett (née Fitch), born January 21, 1924, in Jarbalo, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025, in Portland, Oregon at the age of 101. A lifelong embodiment of kindness, dedication, and hard work, Gladys's legacy is marked by her deep love for her family and her community.

Gladys attended Jarbalo High School and soon after met her future husband, Fred L. Robinett, at the Leavenworth Army Base. They married on September 20, 1943, in Fairmount, Missouri, beginning a lifelong partnership until Fred's passing. Gladys's early years were spent on her family's farm, a time that shaped her enduring ethic of care and service. This foundation led her to a rewarding career as a waitress, most notably at Yaw’s Top Notch and finally at Sylvia's Restaurant, where she retired in 1989. Additionally, Gladys provided invaluable care and companionship as a caregiver to her brother in her early years and her husband in his later years, touching many lives with her warmth and generosity.

Beyond her professional life, Gladys was a creative spirit who found joy in needlepoint, painting, and bowling, activities that reflected her meticulous attention to detail and her playful spirit.

Gladys is survived by her daughters, Daisy and Barbara; son, Fred Jr.; grandchildren, Sonja, Pat, and Casey; and great-grandchildren, Lane, Ethan, and Quentin. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Fred L. Robinett.

Gladys will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Willamette National Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and the importance of family. Her life's story is a testament to the impact one person can have through acts of everyday kindness and enduring commitment to loved ones. Her memory will be cherished and kept alive through the stories shared by those who knew and loved her.