Gladys Virginia Grider

Gladys Virginia Essick Grider, age 97, of Highlandville, passed away Thursday, April 27, 2023.  She was born in Cedar Creek, Missouri, the daughter of George and Lillie Mae (Shrum) VanHorn.  Gladys attended Green Forest, Arkansas school and Ozark Schools.  

She worked for Fasco Industries and Hagale Garment Factory.  Gladys enjoyed sewing and arts and crafts.  She took pride in her family and was a special loving wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother.           She was widowed by Elmer Essick and years later married Jakey Grider in 2015. Their loved ones came together into a large happy family.

Survivors include:  Her husband, Jakey; daughters, Patsy Russell of Clever, Beulah Keppel of Ozark, Ruth Ann and husband Leon Anderson of Oldfield, Linda Essick of Nevada, and Christina and husband Josh Foumal of Nixa, and Norene Caswell of Tahequah, Oklahoma; sons Randy and Shelly Grider of Ozark, and Herbie of Kissimmee, Florida; grandchildren, Charles and Angel Russell of Aurora, Marty and Vickie Richardson of Osage Beach, Leah Penserum of Osage Beach, Ronda Anderson of Rogersville, Donnie Anderson of Springfield, Kevin and Linda Essick of Sparta; sisters, Easter of Kimberling City and Patsie of Buffalo; brothers, Jewell Dean of Kimberling City, and Kenny of Ozark.

Gladys was preceded in death by: sons, Junior Essick and Earnie; daughter Judy; grandchildren Lois Gayle Bebout, and Keith Essick; and brothers, Gene and Vernon VanHorn; and a son in law Ruel Russell.

Visitation will be from noon – 2:00 PM Tuesday, May 2, in Adams Funeral Home, Ozark.  The Funeral Service will follow at 2:00 PM in the funeral home.  Burial will be in Highlandville Cemetery.