Gladys Aileen Coutts

Gladys Aileen Coutts, 88, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully surrounded by her family in Community Hospice House at New Philadelphia, Wednesday, April 3, 2013.

Born October 16, 1924 in New Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Hazel (Moore) Williams.

Gladys graduated from New Philadelphia High School. She was employed by LaFountaines, the Earl E. Smith Company; ultimately retiring from the Tuscarawas County Board of Elections.

Gladys married her lifelong companion and soulmate, the late Dean Franklin Coutts, on January 17, 1943. The devoted and intimate love they shared throughout their lifetime was pure and rare. Their marriage was a living example to their children and grandchildren.

Gladys was a consummate wife and mother, who always put her family’s needs before herself. She took pride in keeping a well-organized and clean home and always had a warm meal on the table. She made every family get-together special and felt great joy spending time with her family. She instilled in each of her children and grandchildren the importance of family and how to care for one another.

Gladys loved to read and was an active member at Broadway United Methodist Church in New Philadelphia.

Later in life, Gladys and Dean enjoyed working together creating beautiful jewelry for their company, Cricket’s Creations.

She is survived by her children, Susan (David) Dillon of Terre Haute, Indiana, Steven (Dana) Coutts of New Philadelphia, David (Linda) Coutts of Tamarac, Florida, Debbie (Phil) Gooding of Sherrodsville and Jay (Melissa) Coutts of Parkland, Florida; her grandchildren, Corinne (Ron) McAbier of New Philadelphia, Dennis Dillon, Sarah (John) Carson and Matthew (Jamie) Dillon all of Terre Haute, Indiana, Carrie (Zachary) Lendon of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Kathryn (Chris) Balinger of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Steven, Abby and Carly Gooding all of Sherrodsville; Jayson (Lauren) Coutts of Tamarac, Florida and Bryan and Heath Coutts both of Parkland, Florida; great-grandchildren, Kaleb and Maggie McAbier, Olivia, Jacob, Grace and Isaiah Carson, Ashton and Gage Dillon and Wyatt, Joel, and David Lendon; one expected great-grandson, Aydan Coutts, due April 29; a special caregiver and niece, Marcia Labus and her husband Fred of New Philadelphia; her sister-in-law, Dorothy Coutts of New Philadelphia; her brother-in-law, Glenn Carlisle of New Philadelphia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents and husband; two granddaughters, Christine Dillon and Nicole Coutts; a great-granddaughter, Serena Joy Carson; and her sisters, Virginia Beaber and Thelma Brick.

The family will receive friends Friday, April 5, 2013 from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib-Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Rev. Bill Sowers will lead a funeral service celebrating Gladys’ life on Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. in the funeral home’s chapel, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in East Avenue Cemetery. Following the committal service, a memorial reception will be held in the Geib Family Center in New Philadelphia.

Contributions may be made in Gladys’ memory to Broadway United Methodist Church, 120 Church Avenue SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Gladys by visiting the funeral home website at www.GeibCares.com.