Gladys Marie Dodd

Gladys was born in the small town of Eureka, Kansas, but would live throughout the western U.S. before settling in Colorado. She fell in love with Colorado while vacationing and never left.

The beloved and respected teacher once noted that she had spent 55 years in the classroom, both as a student and as a teacher. Although she taught in grades 1-12, much of her instruction – 23 years – was in the social studies department at Westminster High School.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from the University of Illinois. She earned her Bachelor of Theology and Master of Divinity at Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri. Gladys was the first woman to graduate from the Nazarene Theological Seminary. An avid historian and

genealogist, a part of her theology thesis was published in the Kansas Historical Quarterly. Her never-ending curiosity resulted in extensive studies of the Eisenhower family, Abraham Lincoln and others.

As Gladys planned her retirement in 1984, the Westy school paper included a story by Laurie Erickson. In the article, Gladys revealed that she had written down the name of every student, more than 5,500 in all, that she’d ever taught. She also admitted that she didn’t care much for grading papers. In a parting note to students, Gladys wrote: “I am glad our paths crossed. I am glad for the (students) past and present who have touched my spirit in passing. Teaching you all has been the pride of my life.” And her final words to students and staff were: “Prompted now to put aside chalk and pointer in the pursuit of other pathways, I bid you adieu.”

Gladys enjoyed travel and visited Russia, other parts of Europe, Israel and many locations throughout North America.

Gladys was preceded in death by her father, Leonard Dodd; mother, Cloe (Gillet) Dodd; and sister, Ruth Dodd. Gladys leaves behind many friends and former students who have kept in touch with her through the years.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 8, 2022, at Covenant Living of Colorado, Smith Hall, 9153 Yarrow St., Westminster, CO 80021.