Barbara Berkshire Gladden passed from this life and experienced the promise of heaven in the early morning hours of June 28, 2017, at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston, Texas. Her beloved daughter, Michelle Snyder, and her dear friend and cousin, Judy Gladden were at her side.
Barbara was born to Frances and Robert Berkshire in Plainview, Texas on October 7, 1950. She attended schools in San Angelo and Odessa before graduating from Permian High School in 1969. Barbara then attended Odessa College.
Barbara married Ralph Lynn Gladden in Odessa on March 24, 1972. Barbara and Ralph’s marriage was blessed with two children, Michelle and Jamie, both of whom were the “apples of their eyes.” Barbara’s love of family was infused into every moment of every day. She was totally involved in the lives of her children and was even more engaged in Ralph’s activities. Her love was unconditional.
For several years Barbara was the office manager and bookkeeper for Gladden Service Company. Later she pursued her Realtor’s License and sold real estate. In 2016, she retired from Southwestern Machines and moved to the Texas Hill Country.
Life for Barbara was Faith, Family, Friends, and Fun. Barbara spent her time caring for those around her; most important to her was that everyone was comfortable and happy. She loved sharing an evening of great food with great friends, always making sure that great fellowship was at the heart of the evening. Her generosity, beautiful spirit, and zest for life will long be remembered.
Barbara is preceded in death by her parents, Frances and Robert Berkshire, her beloved husband, Ralph Gladden, and her precious son, Jamie Gladden.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Michelle Snyder, and husband Reed, of McKinney, Texas; and the grandchildren she loved with all her heart, Samantha, Tripp, and Drew Snyder. She is also survived by her brother, Dr. James Berkshire of San Angelo. Other family members include Debbie and John Pankey, Judy and Roland Gladden, and a host of other special family members and dear friends.
Funeral Services are entrusted to Frank Wilson Funeral Home, 4635 Oakwood Drive, in Odessa, Texas. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 pm on Friday, June 30, 2017 at Frank Wilson. Funeral Service will be 2:00 pm, July 1, 2017 at First Baptist Church, 315 W. 8th Street, Odessa, Texas. Services entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18