Gladys DeLoach

Gladys Ruth Elliott DeLoach was born on November 28, 1916 near Howard, Kansas, the daughter of Lester and Gladys Fear McNair. She departed this life on January 20, 2016 at age 99 in Topeka, Kansas. She grew up in the Howard area and graduated from Howard High School. She married James Patrick Elliott on July 23, 1935. They had 3 children. Ruth, as she was called, was employed as a cashier at the Howard National Bank for several years after her children were grown. She married Rene Mayo DeLoach after the death of her first husband. They lived in Borrego Springs, California and in Homer, Alaska. He preceded her in death on February 13, 2000. In addition to her parents and husbands, Ruth was also preceded in death by two sisters, Bessie Craig and Frances Crank. She is survived by her children James Patrick (Janie) Elliott, Jr., Robert Michael (Mary) Elliott and Frances Denise (Ed) Theiss. From 1992 until her death, Ruth lived with son Mike and his family in Topeka, Kansas. Ruth formerly belonged to St. Mary's Catholic Church in Moline, Kansas. After moving to Topeka, she joined St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Maple Hill, Kansas. She is survived by her children and their spouses, 6 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 3 nephews, 3 nieces and their families. A Requiem Mass will be at 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Maple Hill with Interment at 2:30 P.M. in Grace Lawn Cemetery, Howard, Kansas. Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 Monday, January 25, 2016 at Piper Funeral Home in St. Marys where a rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. Among many other things, Ruth will be fondly remembered for her sweet and lively personality and her gentle kindness toward animals. Family meant the world to Ruth, and she prayed daily for all her loved ones. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536.