Gladys Caroline Erslon, age 96, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026. She was born on April 12, 1930, in St. Louis, Missouri, where she also spent her life surrounded by family and friends.
Gladys was a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be remembered for her fun and friendly spirit. She enjoyed gardening, cooking, and music, and was an avid lover of birds and animals. She dedicated many years of service as head cook at Ridgewood Elementary School, from which she retired. Gladys brought joy to everyone she met with her warmth and kindness.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, George Vincent Erslon, and by her parents, Champ and Edna Fitzwater.
She is survived by her children: Debra Suellentrop (Dennis), Linda Richards (William), and George Erslon (Judy). She also leaves behind her grandchildren: Dennis Suellentrop Jr, Jaime Jauregui (Alfred), Kelly Fischer (Ryan), and Brandon Richards (Hana); and her great-grandchildren: Viviana Jauregui, McKenna Suellentrop, Sebastian Jauregui, Maxwell Fischer, Theodore Fischer, and Beckham Richards.
Gladys touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She lived by the words, “One day at a time.”
Services; A funeral service will be held on July 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63129, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Rd, St. Louis, Missouri 63125. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled Vets, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Humane Society.