Gladys Stites

Gladys (McGOWAN) Stites
age 103 years, a resident of Elgin, IL and a native of the Tunnel Hill community. Passed away Sunday, August 22, 2004, at the Rosewood Care Center in Elgin, IL.

Gladys was born April 10, 1901 in Tunnel Hill, IL. She was the daughter of William & Mary Ann (Cotton) McGowan.

Gladys was united in marriage to Enoch “Dude” Stites on August 6, 1936. They made their home in New Burnside, IL and later Marion, IL & Pontiac, Michigan.

Survivors include: a Step Daughter – Gladys Jane Robertson of Gulfport, MS
Granddaughters - Patricia Sue (L. J.) Shaw & Michael Jane (Jinks) Welch; Grandsons - Kirby Ryan (Becky) Robertson & Danny Lee (Trecia Ann) Robertson; 9 Great Grandchildren,
a Niece – Sharon (Carroll) Lowery of Elgin, IL, with whom Gladys has made her home for the past 4 years. Other Nieces, Nephews, relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to her Parents & Husband, Gladys was preceded in death by 4 Brothers – John, Ralph, Frank, & Fred McGowan & 2 Sisters – Dorsie & Damie.


Gladys, along with her husband, owned & operated a restaurant in New Burnside. She was later employed at the Jacksonville State Hospital and retired in 1963 from the Pontiac Mental Health Center. Gladys attended the Grace United Methodist Church in Elgin, IL. She was a member of the Fox Valley Chapter # 285, Order of the Eastern Star.

Funeral services will be held 2 PM Thursday, August 26, 2004, at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Jeffery Lowery will officiate. Interment will be in the Robinson-Wise Cemetery, north of Ozark, IL. Friends may call from 12 Noon – 2 PM Thursday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.