Gladys Marie (Simen) Scherer, 86, of Olney, Illinois, passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024 at her residence. Gladys was born May 22, 1938 in Claremont, Illinois, the daughter of Ray and Opal (Luthe) Simen. She married Richard Dewhirst Scherer on August 1, 1965 at the United Church of Christ in Olney. Richard preceded her in death on December 22, 1994.

Gladys worked for many years as a cook at Burgin Manor in Olney. She enjoyed watching the birds and squirrels from her window. Gladys took pleasure in feeding the birds and had multiple hummingbird feeders. She was an excellent cook and was known for several of her recipes. Gladys loved to shower her family, friends, and animals with their favorite foods. No one left her house hungry. Gladys loved watching baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and her shows, Judge Judy and Justice For The People. Gladys' absence will be felt by all but the traditions she instilled in her loved ones will live on forever.

Gladys is survived by her daughter, Debra McCleave and husband Jeff of Olney; son, Richard Scott Scherer and wife Misty of Olney; grandchildren, Jenny (Steve Russell) McCleave of Olney, Heather (Tyler) Miller of Olney, Lacy (Randy) Brown of Dundas, Jonah Scherer, and Sydney Scherer of Olney; great grandchildren, Destiny Russell, Dylan Russell, Alexis Russell, and Steven Russell; siblings, Loren "Mick" Simen and Shirley (Rex) Derrow; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Christopher Ray Scherer; siblings, Leon Leroy "Jack" Simen, Robert Allen "Bob" Simen, Albert Lee "Joe" Simen, Marilyn Sue Anderson, and infant brother, Kenneth.

A funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home in Olney, with a visitation beginning one-hour prior to service time at the funeral home.

Interment will follow the service at Crest Haven Memorial Park in Claremont, Illinois.

Memorials can be made to Claws and Paws.

Kistler-Patterson Funeral Home, Olney, IL