Gladys Evelyn Eldridge

Gladys Evelyn Eldridge, a cherished and beloved member of the Ringgold, Georgia community, passed away on December 30, 2025, at the age of 91. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on March 14, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Ernest L. Fitzgerald and Frances Helen Stewart. Gladys attended East Lake Jr. High School and later received her GED.

Gladys was a devoted member of New Liberty Baptist Church in Ringgold, GA.

Gladys was known for her hard-working and resilient nature. She began her career in accounts receivable with Radio and Appliance, a local Whirlpool distributor, where she worked for several years. Afterward, she joined her second husband, Don Eldridge, at Brock and Blevins Boilermakers, traveling throughout the country together on various jobs.

In 1948, Gladys married Michael Lewis Ailey, with whom she shared a life until his passing in 1979. She later found love again with Don Eldridge in 1981, remaining steadfast by his side until his death in 2022.

Gladys is survived by her children, Deborah Ailey Nite (Thomas), Theresa Ailey Cato (Steve), and Kathy Maynor (Pete); her grandchildren, Andrea Calvo (Francisco), Joshua Nite (Jessica), Charles Duesler, Evelyn Nite, and Stephanie Howard (Jonathan); and her great-grandchildren, Isabel and Joseph Calvo, Oliver and Winifred Nite, Aidan and Nathan Briscoe, and Blake Howard. Also surviving her are several nieces and nephews whom she cherished as well.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Michael Lewis "Luke" Ailey, her second husband, Don Eldridge, her son D Brian Ailey, her parents, and all her siblings.

An adventurous spirit, Gladys loved to travel, but her main focus was always on taking care of her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. In addition to her family commitments, Gladys was involved in her community, enjoying her role in collecting ballots at the local voting precinct during election years.

A Celebration of Gladys' Life will be held in the East Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home on Monday January 5th at 5pm with the family receiving friends beginning at 4pm. Dr. Thomas Nite will be officiating the service. Burial will be private in the Forest Hills Cemetery.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caregivers and staff of American House and the staff of Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Gladys' memory may be made to Room at the Inn, 230 N. Highland Park Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404, www.chattanoogaroomattheinn.com.

Please share your thoughts and memories of Gladys online at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel is in charge of her arrangements.