1936 – 2019
Gladys Elaine (Larson) McCoy was born January 7, 1936, and passed away December 2, 2019, at age 83.
Gladys attended Spring Vale Academy in Owosso, Michigan, and graduated in 1953 as valedictorian of her senior class. She moved to Stanberry, Missouri, to attend Midwest Bible College, where she met and married Ken McCoy in 1954. They worked together at the Church of God (Seventh Day) publishing house. When her mother became ill back in Oregon, Gladys and Ken moved there and stayed for several years. Kathy and Jody were born in Oregon.
The family moved to Texas in 1962. Soon after, Gladys began working for Roy and Jean Harris doing secretarial and bookkeeping work. She later worked for Roy in the Montgomery County clerk’s office and then in purchasing. She always highly respected Roy both as her boss and friend.
Gladys and Ken enjoyed traveling and attended most Church of God (Seventh Day) conventions throughout the United States, where they loved visiting with many friends and family. They took several van trips with the whole family to see the sights out West: Yellowstone, the Oregon Coast, and the Redwoods. Even in their 70s, they took trips to Utah with Jody and his girlfriend, Pam Hill, and to New York City/Washington D.C. with most of the family. Many memories were made on these special excursions.
Gladys loved hosting people in her home. She cooked delicious Sabbath potlucks with her sister-in-law, Verna, and mother-in-law, Virginia, that were enjoyed by many. She also loved attending church every Sabbath and looked forward to potlucks there. Gladys loved chocolate and especially Linda Armstrong’s chocolate cake. Her last Sabbath at church was a potluck, and she enjoyed it so much, visiting with Roy and Inez, Nathan Lawson, and other cherished friends.
Ken passed away in August 2018 after 63 years of marriage. He and Gladys both lived faithful, blessed lives and are at rest waiting for their Lord’s return.
Gladys is survived by her daughter, Kathy O’Banion (Dennis), and her son, Jody (girlfriend Pamela). She is also survived by brothers Dale Larson (Bea), Glenn Larson (Shirley), and Mark Larson. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren and great-grands: Jaclynn O’Banion with son Ty; Kelsi and Daniel Chesney with children Jeremiah, Mallory, and Jacob; Kevin O’Banion and Kristin with son Kenneth. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Ethel (Weir) Larson, as well as brothers Jim and Don Larson, sisters Bea Reynen and Bonnie Strunk, and stepmother Leah Larson.