Gladys Frances Murray

Gladys Frances Murray, age 89 of Hennis Care Center at Dover and formerly of New Philadelphia, died early Sunday, September 08, 2013 following a period of declining health.

Born at Blaine, Ohio on August 7, 1924, Gladys, was a daughter of Michael and Antonia (Gasor) Stempien.

Upon graduating from Bridgeport High School in 1946, Gladys served as a civilian employee for the United States Air Force at Wright Patterson Air Force Base at Dayton during World War II. Following her work with the Air Force, Gladys served the radio station, WWVA, at Wheeling West Virginia as a secretary.

On June 14, 1952 Gladys married William Murray in All Saints Catholic Church at Blaine, Ohio. Following their union, the couple relocated to the Tuscarawas Valley and raised a family that includes three children. Gladys and Bill celebrated 59 years of marriage prior to his passing on July 27, 2011.

A Longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia, Gladys served as a member of the Altar Society.

When not caring for her family, she enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, quilting and gardening.

She leaves behind her beloved children, Michele (Randall) Wilson of Gnadenhutten, Kathy Hodkinson of Portsmith, Ohio, and Michael (Diana) Murray of New Philadelphia.

Five grandchildren, Abigail Wilson, Thad Wilson, Derek Hodkinson, Timothy Murray, and Jessica Murray complete the family.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gladys was preceded in death by two sisters, Victoria Czahoroski, and Caroline Wasko and a son-in-law, Robert Hodkinson.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 9:30 – 10:30 AM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Fr. Jeff Coning will lead a memorial service in the funeral home’s chapel on Thursday at 10:30 AM. Inurnment alongside her husband will follow in the Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following services the family wishes to invite guests to join them in the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home, where a meal and fellowship will be shared.

Contributions in memory of Gladys may be directed to the Sacred Heart Altar Society, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 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.