Gladys I. Croft Obituary (1927

Gladys Irene Croft passed away peaceful on October 14, 2020 at the age of 92. She was surrounded by her six children at the time of her passing. Glady was born on October 28, 1927 in Wenona, Illinois to Lester and Alvina Tarrant. She attended grade school at Lowpoint-Washburn Illinois and moved to Pontiac at with her family when she was 14 years old. Gladys was a graduate of Pontiac Township High School and after high school she worked for the State Department at the Merchandise Mart in Chicago, processing war U.S. war bonds. At the end of WWII, she returned to Pontiac and worked in the office of JCPenney Company. On September 21, 1947 she married Frederick E. Croft. He preceded her in death on October 30, 2005. Together they raised six children: Carol Matyus (Don), Tinley Park, IL, Steve Croft, Pontiac, IL, Jeff Croft, Pontiac, IL, Bryan Croft (Lucy), Bloomington, IL, Cathy Strait, Cornell, IL and Christy DeSantis (Chris), Bloomington, IL, ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. Gladys was preceded in death by one child who died in infancy, Jack Lester, one grandson: Robert "Robbie" Croft and two sisters. In her early years of marriage Gladys volunteered at Saint James Hospital joining the Auxiliary when it was organized. She was active in the First Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and vacation Bible School and served on many committees. She later served as President of the evening missionary group and on the Church Council. Gladys was a twenty-year member of the Clionian Literary Society and was a member of the Pontiac Woman's Club for several years. She also served on the board for the Salvation Army and for many years she served as an Election Judge in precinct #4 in Pontiac. Gladys loved being with her children and grandchildren at family gatherings and activities. She enjoyed decorating her home, growing plants and flowers and working in her yard and spending time with friends. Cremation rites will be accorded and a private family service will be held at Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac, IL. Memorials in Gladys's name may be made to the First Lutheran Church, Pontiac, IL.