Shirley L. (Brundage) Gleason

Shirley E. Gleason, 90, of Utica, died Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Katy, Texas.

Funeral services will be private.  Gladfelter-Roetker Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mrs. Gleason was born October 18, 1928, in Ottawa to Paul and Laura (Kerste) Brundage.  She married James Gleason on February 5, 1950 in Ottawa.

While attending Ottawa High School, she was an expert baton twirler and served as the drum majorette for the school’s marching band.  She also spent several years as a member of the local chapter of Sweet Adelines, an organization that promotes female a cappella singing though education, competition, and performance.

She worked at Illinois Bell for a number of years, rising to the level of group manager before retiring in 1983.

She is survived by three sons: Robert (Mary Beth) Gleason of Shamrock, Texas; Randy (Jeanne) Gleason of Normal, Illinois; and James A. (Susan) Gleason of Mount Airy, Maryland; three grandchildren: Robert (Cheryl) Gleason Jr., Anthony (Domonque) Gleason, and Sophia Gleason; and five great-grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers, Bob and Russell; an infant sister, Jean; and a daughter Suzanne.

Shirley was especially known for her love of animals, particularly and most recently her beloved calico cat, Patches.  Those wishing to make a memorial donation are encouraged to do so to a local humane society or other animal welfare organization.