Gladys was preceded in death by her parents: Marty and Wayve (DeVall) Martz a daughter-Sandra Vander Straaten husband: Dick Vander Straaten, and two brothers Donald Martz and Richard (Carolyn) Martz. She also had a special place in her heart for animals. Her passion was her family and she loved children. Gladys was deeply religious and had a very kind and giving heart. Gladys participated in Mother's Study at her daughter's school, Washington Elementary, volunteered for Girl Scouts, attended Stockbridge United Methodist Church where she taught Adult Sunday School, participated in United Methodist Women's group and later attended Bethany Reformed Church. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2001. She married the love of her life, Dick Vander Straaten August 29th in 1951 and had 2 children Laura and Sandra. Though Gladys worked at various places, she was primarily a homemaker and caregiver, providing loving care for multiple family members through her lifetime. In her life she enjoyed various jobs, working in theater concessions at several local theaters, window dressing, working the candy counter at Kresge's, and housekeeping for an orthodontist. Gladys grew up in the Oakwood neighborhood, graduated from Central High School in Kalamazoo and attended some college classes through KVCC. She was born on March 28 in 1931 to the late Marty and Wayve (DeVall) Martz. Gladys Rose Vander Straaten (Martz), of Kalamazoo, MI, passed away Monday Jat Amber Place at the age of 88.
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