Gladys Dollar

Gladys Ellen Dollar, 101 years old, left this world on Feb. 21, 2012. She was an only child born in Kansas City, Mo., to Benjamin Harrison Thurman and Marvie Brown Thurman on Oct. 25, 1910. "G," as she was more commonly known, especially to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, showcased her independent nature from a very young age. She lived in Paola most of her adult life, and she supported the community in many ways over the years. During her life, she owned local businesses, provided social services to those in need, was active within the United Methodist Church and worked as a teacher and guidance counselor within the Paola School District for 25 years before she retired in 1976. Gladys graduated from the Kansas City Teachers College before moving on to obtain her bachelor"s degree from Ottawa University and her master"s degree from Emporia State University. Family was important to Gladys. Surviving are two of her three sons, Don Dollar, his wife Ellen Dollar of Springfield, MO and their son Michael; Dale Dollar of Osawatomie, KS, his wife Lois, along with his daughter Allison. Gladys adored all of her great-grandchildren: Lauren, Megan, Mac, Will, Marley, Escher, Ethan, Aspen, Adyson, and Cooper. She kept up with them and all they accomplished over the years, right up until her death. Her eldest son, David, passed away in 2005, leaving behind his wife, Susie of Springfield, MO and their children David Christopher "Chris" Dollar of Nixa, MO and Melissa Anne Gourley of Mountain Grove, MO. Losing Dave was extremely hard on Gladys. She missed him with all of her heart and never truly overcame the idea that she had outlived her son. She was also preceded in death by her parents and husband, David Dollar. Over the course of her life, she saw many things, including sixteen presidents, beginning with William Howard Taft; surviving The Great Depression and two World Wars; supporting the Civil Rights movement; seeing Charles Lindbergh fly over Kansas City on his way to St. Louis; and Wyatt Earp"s death. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, drawing, knitting, china painting and chocolate. She belonged to Eastern Star and the Retired Kansas Teachers Association. While alive, Gladys never knew a stranger. She expressed on many occasions how thankful she was for the people around her family and friends. She loved them all; her spirit was captivating, and anyone who knew Gladys would agree. Memorial contributions can be made to David L. Dollar Scholarship, Missouri State University Foundation, 309 S. Jefferson Ave., Suite 100, Springfield, MO 65806-2211. Paola United Methodist Church, 209 S. Silver St., Paola, Kansas Service: Monday, February 27, 2012 at 10:30 AM Visitation: No Visitation