Gladys Lucille Eppley, 103, of LaHarpe, Illinois passed away at 4:43 a.m. Monday, November 18, 2024 at the Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst, Illinois.

Gladys was born July 2, 1921 in Durham, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur Leslie and Mary Ann (Reed) Shinn. She was raised by her step-mother, Bertha Shinn, after losing her parents early in life. On March 2, 1941 she married George L. Eppley at the Paul Blender home near Durham. He preceded her in death on January 7, 2006.

Survivors include two daughters: Suzanne Miller of Rushville, Illinois and Dianne (Greg) Blythe of LaHarpe, one daughter-in-law: Sylvia Eppley of Rushville; grandchildren, Kim (Jon) Barr of Carthage, Melissa (Tyler) Rhode of Carlock, Lance (Amanda) Blythe of LaHarpe, Chris Eppley of St. Louis, and Erin (Ryan) VanHorn of Chattanooga, Tennessee; step-grandchildren, Eric (Krisa) Miller of Burlington, Kevin (Tamara) Miller of Dallas City and Jarrod (Jenny) Miller of Cedar Rapids; great-grandchildren, Kaila (Jacob) Rowland, Hailey and Trenton Blythe, Garrett, Preston and Travis Rhode and Seth, Isaac and Abby VanHorn; step-great-grandchildren: David Miller, Ashlyn Miller and Alexis (Trevor) Meierotto and great–great-grandchildren: Aria and Briella Rowland.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by one son: Dennis Eppley; infant sister: Vivian Violet Shinn; one son-in-law: David Miller and many other extended family members.

Gladys attended Bross Grade School and graduated from Colusa High School in 1939. While attending school, Gladys enjoyed making many friends and cheerleading. She met her husband, George, while attending church at the Durham United Methodist Church. She was a lifelong member of the church, holding many offices within the church and participating in the church choir. She enjoyed being an active mother, playing games with her kids, cooking meals, gardening, canning food, sewing and making homecoming dresses. Later, she enjoyed keeping her grandchildren and even kept kids that weren't hers, and loved doing it.

One can only imagine what all she experienced in her 103 years on this earth - what a journey! Everyone at Oak Lane loved her and she them. Gladys is a hard one to pass off to God, but you can bet she will have a great time there also. To have known her was to love her.

Friends may call from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in LaHarpe. The family will not be present Tuesday.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 27th at Banks & Beals. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 with Ryan VanHorn and Rev. A. Lee Unger officiating.

A private family burial will be held at Durham Cemetery.

A memorial fund has been established for the Durham United Methodist Church, Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab and Hospice Compassus. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit Mrs. Eppley's obituary at banksandbeals.com.