Gladys Nina Lathrop, age 86, of the Brethren’s Retirement Community, Greenville, Ohio (formerly of Oceanside, California) passed away peacefully in her sleep on the evening of October 24, 2010. She was preceded in death by her loving and devoted husband, Purl (PJ) Lathrop, Jr. in 1990 after 45 years of marriage; her parents, Franklin Jacob Case and Zora (Setty) Case; one brother, Gene Case, Sr.; and three sisters; Glee Shumway, Faye Krause, and Vivian Reed. She is survived by a large extended family of nieces and nephews and their families, including one great-niece Vickie (Kevin) Rhodehamel, of Arcanum, who lovingly served as her caregiver. She was a member of Unity Way Church in Vista, California. Gladys loved to spend her days enjoying nature and animals, reading a good book, listening to jazz music, or painting a canvas or two in the past few years. Gladys loved to travel to Hawaii and did so many times over the years. Having no children of her own, she became a special aunt to many nieces and nephews in Ohio, Oregon, California, and Hawaii that everyone loved to visit. Vickie and her family would like to say a Special Thanks to the staff of Rosewood 5 at BRC, and the State of the Heart Hospice Team for the superb care these past several months.
Arrangements are being handled by Kreitzer Funeral Home, Arcanum. Per her wishes there will be no funeral service; instead the family will hold a graveside service at a later date at Fort Rosecrans Veteran’s Cemetery, in San Diego, California where she will be laid to rest next to the love of her life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be sent to the funeral home,204 N. Main St., Arcanum, Ohio 45304, to cover her final expenses. Condolences and wishes may be sent to her niece, Vickie Rhodehamel at 6844 Delisle-Fourman Road, Arcanum, Ohio 45304.
