AGE: 99
of Climax
Passed away February 28, 2012 at Evergreen Senior Care in Springfield, MI. Gladys was born August 6, 1912 in Three Rivers, MI to the late William and Nora (Yund) Smittendorf. On December 6, 1932 in Three Rivers, she was united in marriage to Herbert "Pete" King, who preceded her in death, February 20, 1986. They moved from Three Rivers to Battle Creek in 1933 and then, in 1946 they moved to their farm in Climax. Gladys worked as a bus driver for the Climax-Scotts School district in the 1950's . She worked many years for Smith's Flower & Gift Shop, making floral arrangements. She was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels which she ordered and then delivered. She loved to pick up the ladies for dinner. She also enjoyed decorating cakes for special occasions and at one time, even taught cake decorating. She enjoyed being outdoors working in the yard and in her flower garden. She had an overall love for arts and crafts, especially needlework. In her younger days, she was a very talented artist and even painted by numbers well into her 90's. Playing games and cards was another hobby she enjoyed with her friends and family. She volunteered her time as a 4-H Club leader for the West Leroy Willing Work. Gladys was close to her family and enjoyed being with her son, James (Nancy) O. King of Climax and Janet (Frank) Livers of Galesburg; six grandchildren, Debby (Robert) Adams of Paw Paw, Sharon Vandiver, of Scotts, Annette Hensley of Kalamazoo, Lynnette Wyman of Climax, and Daniel King of FL. She is also survived by 11 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by granddaughter, Teresa Livers; son-in-law, Frank Livers; and daughter-in-law, Nancy King. Services will take place Friday, 11:00 o'clock at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Climax Chapel, 205 East Maple St., where family will greet friends on Thursday from 4-6pm. Interment will take place following the luncheon, at Riverside Cemetery in Three Rivers. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Evergreen Senior Care Patient Activity Fund, in Springfield, MI.