Gladys Marie (Chaplin) Sterchi, 95, of Olney died Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at her home.  Services at Summers-Kistler Funeral Home with burial in Haven Hill Cemetery.

Gladys  was born on February 12, 1916 in Olney, Illinois, the daughter of Perry and Verna Chaplin. She married Rhodell Sterchi on May 24, 1940. He preceded her in death on September 8, 2007.

Gladys was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother as well as a care provider. She was an excellent cook, and master seamstress. Gladys was a former member of the Olney Women's Club as well as the Sunnyside Friendly Home Bureau group. She was active in the Methodist Women's group. Hobbies and special interests included quilting, knitting, sewing and cooking! As one of her grandchildren said "Heaven gained one of the strongest and most inspiring women I have ever known."

She is survived by her son, Tom Sterchi and his wife Mary Michael; Son, Ron Sterchi and his wife Tesa; Daughter, Jackie (Sterchi) Dority and her husband Michael; Sister, Dorothy Cammon; Nine Grandchildren and Seven Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and daughter, Jeri Lynn (Sterchi) Wisher.

Published in Olney Daily Mail (IL)