Gladys Marie (Reed) Kunselman

Gladys Marie (Reed) Kunselman, 87, of Punxsutawney passed away quietly surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at Mulberry Square Elder Care.  Gladys was born on September 25, 1931 in Ringgold to the late James Henry and Edna Isobel (Smith) Reed.  Gladys married Ivan Kunselman on October 2, 1950.  Ivan passed away on November 15, 2013 after 63 years of marriage.

Gladys was an incredibly loving and caring woman full of life and vigor who was an inspiration to all who knew her.  Together with her husband Ivan, they raised six wonderful children, all of whom were deeply loved and will miss their mother tremendously.  Gladys was a consummate homemaker who kept a meticulous home; and, seldom did a day go by when there wasn’t a hot meal on the table.  Gladys enjoyed being in her kitchen and was known as an extraordinary baker where everything was made from scratch. There were no boxes in her kitchen and she baked pies, cookies, and cakes for anyone and everyone it seemed.  At one time, Gladys was revered throughout Punxsutawney as baking one of the best Boston Cream Pies around.   Especially during the holidays, Gladys, her sister, and her daughters would bake dozens upon dozens of cookies, and even went so far as to mail dozens of sweet treats each holiday season (never missing a single one) to her daughter and her husband who lived away while serving in the military.  Holidays were particularly important to Gladys.  This was a time of joy when all of the family would get together and celebrate the occasion.  Her kitchen was a buzz of activity for days before each holiday; and not just Christmas, but every holiday in between, to include the Fourth of July.  If you went away from Gladys’ house hungry, it was of your own doing.  Whatsmore, and despite a large family filled with children and grandchildren, Gladys never missed a birthday.  She knew everyone’s birthday and ensured all received a wonderful birthday greeting on their special day.  In keeping with her devotion to family, Gladys loved to crochet and made baby blankets for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchild.   Often times, her grandchildren got more than one blanket.   Gladys loved her family and her friends.  She treasured the company of people and involved herself in a plethora of activities outside of the home.  During her lifetime, she was an active member in the Beta Sorority; Grandmother’s Club, Grange Ladies Aid, JCARC; and, a member of the Grange Church of God for over 60 years where she regularly volunteered her time in various endeavors.   Over the past several years, Gladys loved going to the Mahoning Hills Senior Center where she immersed herself in the company of her many friends at the Center.  Gladys was truly a one-of-a-kind woman with a heart as big as the universe.  We will dearly miss her, but know we will see her once again when we walk together in heaven.

Gladys is survived by her five children and their families.  Her children are Robert Kunselman and wife Betty of Indiana, PA; Louise Vasbinder and husband Denny of Reynoldsville; James “Byron” Kunselman and wife Mary Lynn of Oliveburg; William “Billy” Kunselman of Punxsutawney; Greg Kunselman and wife Becky of Punxsutawney; and, her son-in-law Ken Burkett of Big Run.  Gladys is also survived by twelve grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.

Gladys was the last surviving member or her immediate family.  In addition to her parents, and her husband, Ivan of 63 years, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy “Kate” Burkett; her two brothers,  Wallace Reed and William “Bill” Reed; and her three sisters, Isobell Clark, Jane Miller, and an infant sister, Alice.

Friends will be received from 1 - 8 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019 at the Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., of Punxsutawney.  A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at the Grange Church of God (Rt 536), officiated by Pastor Jeremy Stouffer.  Memorial donations may be made in Gladys’ memory to the Grange Church of God, 97 N Enterline Rd, Punxsutawney.

Gladys will be laid to rest beside her husband and daughter at the Zion Cemetery in Porter.

Online condolences may be made at www.shumakerfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gladys Marie (Reed) Kunselman, please visit our floral store.