Gladys Marie Lydolph

Gladys Marie Lydolph, passed away peacefully on May 4, 2023, at the Prestige Care Center in Fairfield, Iowa. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield, IA with Larry Shipley officiating. Cremation will take place following the service with burial to be held in the Mt. Moriah Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 8, 2023, at the Cranston Family Funeral Home in Fairfield with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Gladys' honor may be directed to EveryStep Hospice. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com.

Born on February 28, 1927, in Jefferson County, Iowa, Gladys was the daughter of the late Opal and Goldie Carter Fields. Gladys was predeceased by her sisters, Helen and Doris, and her brother, Arnold.

She is survived by her loving sons, Russell (Lynn) Conger of Birmingham, Iowa, and Dennis (Jacque) Lydolph of Stockport, Iowa. She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren and an adoring great-grandmother to 25 great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her world, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

A graduate of Libertyville High School in 1943, Gladys went on to lead a life full of hard work and dedication. She married Orville Conger in 1943, and together they had a son, Russell Lee. During this time Gladys moved to Kansas with her family before returning to Libertyville in 1947. Although Orville and Gladys eventually divorced, their love for their son remained strong. In 1958, Gladys married Minor Lydolph, and they welcomed a son, Dennis, into their lives. The couple later divorced, but Gladys continued to be a devoted mother to her two sons. She was a woman of many talents and held various jobs throughout her life. Gladys drove her own dump truck until 1963 and worked as a scale master at Dodd's & Hoaglin Quarries. Gladys began driving a school bus in 1964, a job she loved and held until her retirement in 1992. Her dedication to her work and the children she transported was evident in the care she took to ensure their safety and well-being.

Gladys had a passion for crochet, painting ceramics, and creating beautiful lamps. She loved horses and took great pride in mowing her lawn. A talented cook, Gladys could make anything her boys brought home, and her culinary skills were enjoyed by many. She also loved to travel and would often accompany her sons on cross-country trips when they had their transport business. A proud member of the Eastern Star, Gladys was also a charter member of the Fairfield Bowling Hall of Fame. Her involvement in these organizations showcased her commitment to her community and her love for the sport of bowling.

Gladys Marie Lydolph will be remembered for her spirited nature, her selflessness, and her kindness. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing her.