Gladys Vandermeulen

Gladys B. Vandermeulen, 95, rested in the arms of Jesus on September 1, 2004, surrounded by her loved ones at Colonial Manor, Danville, IL. A life-long resident of Denmark Road until the last 13 months, she enjoyed friends, family, neighbors, gardening and the beauty of nature. Gladys was born February 12, 1909, daughter of Henry T. and Flora (Gillen) Bath. She attended Gravat and Milner elementary schools and Danville High School. Gladys married Ralph N. Chapman on August 4, 1929. He preceded her in death on September 20, 1948, and she later married Jules J. Vandermeulen on August 8, 1958. He preceded her in death on October 10, 1977. After the death of Ralph, Gladys pursued a career as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Lakeview Memorial Hospital. "Vandy", as she was fondly referred to by her colleagues, retired on May 17, 1978, after 29 years of outstanding and dedicated service in her profession. Gladys was a member of Central Christian Church, Licensed Practical Nurse Association, Order of the Eastern Star and Danville Women's Club. She enjoyed knitting, gardening, baking and cake decorating and especially her participation in her Church activities and the Christian Women's Fellowship. Her wish to visit London, and the Longleat House in Bath England, was fulfilled in 1998. Gladys is survived by two sons, Davie (Virginia) Chapman, of Brownsburg, In and Richard (Ruthie) Chapman, of Danville, IL, a daughter Carol Mitchell, of Rossville, IL, a stepson, Darrell (Judy) Vandermeulen, of Ft. Calhoun, NE, a stepdaughter, Catherine Ribbe, of Danville, IL, 16 grandchildren: Steve Chapman, of Avon, IN, Linda (Steven) Kientz, of Indianapolis, IN, Michael (Monica) Chapman, of Brownsburg, IN, Robb Chapman, of Lafayette, IN, Dawne Chapman, of Danville, IL, Holly (Craig) Smith, of NC, William Marquis and Robert (Vicki) Marquis, both of Donovan, IL, Melissa (Dr. Michael) Howard, of New York, NY, Kay (Ken) of Quincy, IL, John J. Ribbe, of Rogersville, TN, Bruce (Sherry) Vandermeulen, of Paducah, KY, Mary Jen (Ray) Kubo, of Rochester Hills, MI, Ken (Susie) Vandermeulen, of Itsca, IL, and Matthew and David Vandermeulen, of Ft. Calhoun, NE. Also, 15 great-grandchildren: Joshua and Tiffany Chapman, of Brownsburg, IN, Jacob Smith, of NC, Mercedes and Jacob Marquis and Jessica and Kendra Marquis, all of Donovan, IL, Susan, Ashley and Emily Ribbe, of Rogersville, TN, Brad, Blake and Brett Vandermeulen, of Paducah, KY, and Emily and Isabella Kubo, of Rochester Hills, MI. Gladys was also survived by for cousins, Alice Harper, Thelma Hartman, Theo (Ruth) Bath and Julia Vehlawald; a sister-in-law, Germaine Chapman, of Thorntown, IN, and stepdaughter-in-law, Jane Vandermeulen, wife of Raymond Vandermeulen, a stepson who preceded her on March 8, 2004.