Obituary of Gladys Louise Davis
Gladys Louise Davis, 84, formally of Coffeyville, Kansas entered into eternal rest at her home on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at her home surrounded by her three children.
She was born on August 8, 1933 in Independence, Kansas, the daughter of Stephen and Gladys Rench. Louise attended school in both Wann, Oklahoma and Coffeyville, Kansas graduating from Field Kindley High School in 1951 where she was active in music and debate. She graduated from Coffeyville Community College in 1952 and later from Pittsburg State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1972 and Master’s degree in 1980.
Louise’s teaching career started at age 19 in a one room school house and continued in Kansas and Texas. She returned to teaching after taking time off to raise her children and taught at Holy Name Catholic School and then Edgewood Elementary School from 1972 to 1995. She substituted for several years thereafter.
On July 7, 1953 Louise and Harry O. Davis were united in marriage at the Central Nazarene Church in Coffeyville. San Antonio, Texas became their home where Harry was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base and Louise taught school. The couple returned to Coffeyville to live after Harry’s honorable discharge. Harry and Louise moved to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in March 2016 to be closer to family, where they resided at Silver Arrow Estates.
Mrs. Davis was a member of the First Southern Baptist Church. She greatly loved and strongly supported her family and enjoyed being a parent and grandparent. She also enjoyed teaching, sewing, cooking, church activities, learning, gardening and travelling. Louise was a very caring and loving person. She was a hard worker who was always willing to help and serve, putting herself second to other’s needs. She influenced the lives of many children as an outstanding educator, many who became lifelong friends.
Louise will be lovingly remembered by her children and their spouses, LaDonna (John) Pruitt of Broken Arrow, OK; DiAnna (Gerry) Taylor of Tyler, TX; and Steven (Sandra) Davis of Topeka, KS. Her five grandchildren include Jennifer Munoz, Brian (Christina) Pruitt, Tiffany (Ryan) Gaffney, Jason Taylor, and Shaun Pruitt. Five great grandchildren loved their ‘Old Meme’ very much. Sisters include Waunita Rench, Virginia Keller, Carol Hurst, Gloria Harper, and Lois Weimer. Brothers include Stephen Rench and Robert Rench.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years Harry, her parents and sister, Dorothy Tachikawa.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. Family will greet friends Thursday evening at the Funeral Home from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM at the First Southern Baptist Church in Coffeyville with Pastor Rich Jenkins officiating. Following the service, interment will take place at the Veterans Patio at Fairview Cemetery in Coffeyville.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Life Outreach International, or Water for Life. Contributions may be left at the funeral home or mailed to David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337. To leave a message for the family please visit www.dwbfh.com.
The death of people whom we love
Brings sorrow and deep pain
But if our loved ones know the Lord
Our loss becomes their gain.
