Gladys Cooley

Gladys Cooley, 95, of Robinson, IL, died Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at Arbor Rose of Robinson, IL. She was born June 11, 1926, in West Union, IL, the daughter of Oscar & Eliza (Marlow) Simmons. She grew up in the West Union area before marrying Ervin Cooley on June 27, 1942. Much of the following season of her life found her caring for her house and all those who called it "home". Her loved ones were the beneficiaries of her delicious, homemade cooking. Her fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and gravy were the stuff of legend, and the very thought of her noodles still makes the mouth water. Her children (and eventually, her grandchildren) were the beneficiaries of her sewing talents, as she pieced together quilts for each of them over the years. They could all attest to Gladys' green thumb, as she loved tending to her yard and its trees and colorful flowers. Eventually, she entered the workforce at Tempco in Robinson, where she worked in the casket manufacturing department until retiring in the early 1990s. Following the death of her beloved husband in 2000, she busied herself with the Crawford Memorial Hospital Auxiliary and would put in over 3500 hours working in the gift shop! In addition to the Auxiliary, she was also involved with the Crawford County Home Extension and was a faithful member of the Kirk Chapel Church. We find peace knowing that her 95 years were but the beginning in light of the eternal life she has found alongside her Savior. She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte & Tom Wilkinson (Brazil, IN); son & daughter-in-law, Alan & Peg Cooley (Robinson, IL); by her grandchildren, Anji Maskell (Attleboro, MA), Alisha & Richie Bridgewater (Flat Rock, IL), Stacie & Bucky Smedley (Christopher, IL), Aaron & Andrea Bolen (West Frankfort, IL), Lynda & Chris Hoke (Robinson, IL), Charley & Amanda Cramer (Nooksack, WA); as well as 11 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar & Eliza; by her husband, Ervin; by her daughters, Linda Compton and Judy Cotter; by her grandson, Rhoden Haskell; and by her siblings, Woodrow, Margaret, Ermagene, Dean, Anna Mae, and Charles. A private graveside service will be held at the Wilkin (Prairie Grove) Cemetery. As a "thank you" for the wonderful care she received in the twilight of her life, her family requests that memorial contributions be made to "Arbor Rose of Robinson". Her family would also like to thank Good Samaritan Hospice for all of their help in Gladys' last days. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of arrangements.