Gladys M. Blackwell

Gladys passed away Monday, December 16, 2019 at her residence with her family by her side at the age of 95 years. She was born in Bay City on August 15, 1924 to the late Earl and Cecelia (LaFountain) Rapelje. She married Barnaby Blackwell in Bay City and he preceded her in death on December 13, 2004. Gladys worked for the Bay City Public Schools as a secretary for many years. She enjoyed crafting and sewing and loved spending time with her family.
Gladys is survived by her children, Dick (Barb), Craig (Sandy), Steve (Wendy) and Kathleen Blackwell; fifteen grandchildren; twenty two great grandchildren; sister, Virginia Vink and many nieces and nephews. Gladys was preceded in death by her son, Brian Blackwell; grandson, Timothy Blackwell; great granddaughter, Mackenzie Laporte; sisters, Helen Ayers and Christine O'Neil; brothers, Don, Lloyd, Ken and Merril Rapelje; brothers-in-law, Hazen Vink, Bill Ayers and John "Jack" O'Neil and sister-in-law, Marlene Rapelje
Funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2019 at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Officiating will be Rev. Joseph Atchinson with burial following at Calvary Cemetery, Kawkawlin. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial contribution to Heartland Hospice. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Heartland Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Gladys. For online condolences www.GephartFuneralHome.com