Gladys Irene Wilcox, 88, of Ottumwa, died at 4:10 a.m. July 19, 2026 at Good Samaritan Society-Ottumwa.
She was born January 30, 1938 in Blakesburg to George Leroy and Lois Ratliff Blumer. She married Francis “Junior” Mark Wilcox on June 10, 1956 and he preceded her in death on January 31, 2022.
A 1956 graduate of Ottumwa High School, Gladys had worked for Carroll Lumber and worked as a teller for John Deere Credit Union and later Community 1st Credit Union retiring in 1999.
She was a member of Bible Baptist Church in Ottumwa where she taught Sunday School and played the piano. Gladys was also a member of the Ottumwa Quilt Guild.
Surviving are her children, Joni (Terry) Stewart of Abingdon, IL, Susan (Scott) Davis of Bloomfield and Mark (Jodi) Wilcox of Oskaloosa; 8 grandchildren, Angela (Jake) Ostman, Cassie (Darren) Maloney, Mallory (Ryan) Nyman, Ryan (Kristin) Davis, Bradley (Lora) Stewart, Kenzie (Carly) Goodson, Leah (Jacob) Wetschka, and Wes (Trendi Johnson) Wilcox; 13 great-grandchildren; her brother George (Doris) Blumer.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth Buchholz; brother, Larry Blumer Sr.; and sister-in-law, Margaret Blumer.
Visitation will be open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Friday July 24th at Reece Funeral Home. Her family will be present to greet friends at 9 a.m. until the start of the service, Saturday.
Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday July 25th at Reece Funeral Home with Pastor Ed Matthews officiating. Burial will be in Drakesville Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Bible Baptist Church for Vacation Bible School.
