Gladys Charleen McAdams Brewer
Obituary
HESSTON — Gladys Charleen McAdams Brewer died on Thursday
(March 22, 2012) at Schowalter Villa in Hesston.
She was born on Aug. 27, 1908, in Newton, the daughter of
Frank Goodwin McAdams and Ella Krebs McAdams. Her grandfather, Henry H.
McAdams, was the first mayor of Halstead.
Gladys married Dr. William McKelvey Brewer on Feb. 2, 1930,
in Abilene, and they were happily married for 42 years until his death on Feb.
17, 1972.
Bill and Gladys moved to Hays in 1930, where they started
housekeeping and raised their family. Except for a temporary relocation in
Topeka during World War II, they remained in Hays until Dr. Brewer’s retirement
in 1971, when they moved to Hesston.
Throughout her adult life, Gladys was actively involved with
United Methodist Church, the P.E.O. and the Daughters of the American
Revolution. Gladys was widely known for her curiosity, love of life, sense of
decorum, organizational skills, and bottomless love for family and friends.
Among avocations, reading was probably her first love, but
she also loved to recite poetry, sing and cook. Her autobiography has been a
fascinating read for all who knew Gladys and for many who didn’t. She loved to
plant and care for flower gardens, and she decorated her homes in Hays and
Hesston with art and artifacts she collected from travels ranging from England
to Taiwan. On many of her international trips, Gladys was accompanied by her
long-time Newton friend, Dr. Frances Allen.
Survivors include a daughter, Joy Scott of Chico, Calif.;
two sons, Mac Brewer of Tucson, Ariz., and John Brewer of Lawrence; a foster
son, Egon Sommer of Dicken, Neb.; 13 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
Gladys was preceded in death by her sister, Alice McAdams;
and her half brother, Fred Beckmeyer.
Cremation has been effected, and a memorial stone will be
added in her honor to the plot of Dr. William Brewer in Greenwood Cemetery in
Newton.
Memorial services for Gladys Brewer will be at 2:30 p.m.
Sunday at Schowalter Villa in Hesston.
Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home of Newton.
1908 - 2012 (103 years)