Gladys G. Caulkins

Gladys (Gill) Caulkins, entered eternal life on December 23, 2022. She was 99.

Gladys was born January 27, 1923, on Kelleys Island to the late Ross and Freida (Kurtz) Gill. Gladys was raised and attended grade school in Whitehouse, Ohio and was a 1940 graduate of Holland High School where she was a cheerleader, a member of the National Honor Society and started a diary that would last her lifetime.

In 1941, Gladys met and married Harry L. Caulkins before he joined the U.S. Navy to serve in the Pacific Theater during World War II. She returned to the family home where she lived with her five younger sisters.

When the war ended, Harry and Gladys grew their family, raising three children, Karen, Lou, and David. Gladys enjoyed entertaining and hosting holiday dinners for the family in their Holland home. Any time there were more than three who gathered, “it was a party.” They celebrated 65 years of marriage before Harry’s passing in 2006.

As her family grew, Gladys enjoyed helping to plan for summer reunions. She was very close to her sisters and cherished all the shopping trips they took. As their families grew, many happy memories of special times were spent with them. She was known for sending cards to those she loved.

Gladys was active in the community, she served as the Treasure for the Strawberry Festival, Secretary for the Holland Historical Society, a member of the Holland Fireman’s Auxiliary, and membership in the Order of the Eastern Star for over 30 years. She supported the Holland Free Methodist Church, and was the first female to be elected on the Village of Holland Council, holding the position for 8 years.

Gladys retired from Owens Corning in 1980, during her career she worked as a cashier and at their credit union. Gladys and Harry spend their retirement wintering at their home in Merritt Island, Florida and they would return to their cottage in Michigan for the summer. Gladys shared both homes with family and friends. Creating memories at the Space Center, Cocoa Beach, and Disney in Florida; pontoon rides and fishing in Michigan. In 1995, they moved permanently back to Holland.

Gladys loved life and was passionate about many things. For 30 years Gladys enjoyed western square dancing where she and Harry belonged to several clubs. She enjoyed jigsaw and crossword puzzles, working in the flower beds and was delighted when butterflies would visit. She was also a passionate collector of rhinestone and costume jewelry. They joined St. James Club, where Gladys enjoyed water aerobics with her mermaid friends. She remained a member for 25 years.

No matter the season, whenever a garage sale sign was posted, Gladys was known to stop and rummage through the sale, hoping she would find a special treasure. Her extensive butterfly collection included all types of clothing, paper, and glass art pieces.

Gladys enjoyed celebrated her 100th Birthday, 100 days prior with her family and closest friends.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; sisters, Jeannie McDole and Eleanor Williams Gillette; and son, Harry “Lou” Caulkins, Jr. She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Caulkins) Peckinpaugh; son, David (Carol) Caulkins; grandchildren, Adam Peckinpaugh, Brian (Denise) Caulkins and Louis Caulkins; and great grandson, Logan Caulkins; sisters, Beverly (Mike) Edwards, Sharon (Bob) Geiger and Judy (Dick) Meinen; daughter -in-law, Sharon Caulkins; extended family, Dan (Marilyn) Mills, Meegan (Dave) Rautenbach and their children, Ryan, Daniel and Hadley.

She was “Nan” to her grandchildren. They learned early that there were “no rules” when they were with her. She was a beloved “Auntie” to countless nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life, “one last party,” for Gladys will be held in the spring, her favorite time of the year when the flowers bloom and butterflies return.

Memorial contributions in honor of Gladys may be sent to Ohio Living Home Health and Hospice of Greater Toledo, 1730 South Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43614.