Gladys M. McCracken, Age 90

Gladys Marie (Bednar) McCracken, daughter of Joseph Bednar and Stella Elizabeth (Kauer) Bednar was born on the family farm on October 24th, 1924, 1 & ¾ mile west of Cuba Kansas, and passed away on January 5th, 2015 at the Republic Co. Hospital in Belleville Kansas at the age of 90 years 2months and 12 days.

She received her formal education in the one room country school house of Silverthorne, only ¼ mile from her home, which could and was a perilous walk during dust storms and blizzards.

Gladys spent only two occasions away from her lifelong home and community of Belleville......moving to Chicago Illinois during WWII to fulfill her Greatest Generation commitment by working in a bomb factory and also lived for several years in Klamath Falls Oregon during the early years of her marriage.

On June 29th, 1947 she was united in marriage to Warren V. McCracken and they enjoyed and shared 67 wonderful years of a very special marriage together! To this union two children were born, Alesia and Randy.

Her duties as wife and mother kept her very busy and happy thru-out her life. She enjoyed her additional work in the meat department at the local Food Mart which afforded her the opportunity to help people, as well as talking, making friends and forming relationships with numerous people.

Her passion in addition to family was her very beautiful and productive garden that she maintained for over 60 years. Gladys was indeed a "Master Gardener" and spent countless hours in her garden providing vegetables that were enjoyed by so many.

Most likely her favorite role was that of Grandmother. A very loving and caring grandmother, she was always eager for her grandkids to visit her home where she gave them her undivided attention. Each grandchild had their own favorite "dish" that she prepared specially for them!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Warren McCracken on July 31st, 2014, her parents, Joe and Stella Bednar and one brother, Norman Bednar.

She is survived by one daughter, Alesia (David) Stroh of Midwest City OK, one son, Randy (Cam) McCracken of Manhattan Kansas, 7 grandchildren, Kelly (Christopher) Lair of Arlington Tx. Debbie (Scott) Williams of Edmund OK. Rebecca (Pat) Neal of Norman OK Spencer (Valerie) McCracken of Mission Ks. & Joanie (Joshua) Balwanz of Overland Park, Ks, Wendi Marcum and Mike Stroh of Oklahoma City, Ok, 16 great grandchildren, two sisters, Maxine Clark of Olathe, Kansas, Georgene Surber of Belleville Kansas and one brother, George Bednar of Pueblo, Colorado, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Funeral services will be held, Eleven AM, Friday, January 9, 2015, First United Methodist Church, Belleville, Ks. conducted by, Pastor Emily Meckley and Pastor Kathy Aeillo.

Interment will be in Belleville Cemetery, Belleville, Kansas.

Memorials may be given to Family Choice.
Friends may call on Wednesday from 1 PM to 9 PM, Thursday from 9 AM to 9 PM at Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, Ks.
Online condolences and information at www.bachelor-surber.com

Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, Ks in charge of arrangements.

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Beloit, KS 67420, USA