Gladys E. Drucker, 101, of Brookings, died Saturday, June 23, 2018, at the United Living Community in Brookings. 

Memorial services are at 10 a.m. Monday at Rude’s Funeral Home. Burial is at 10 a.m. Tuesday, at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine, Nebraska.

Gladys Evelyn Drucker was born on April 13, 1917, in Crofton, Nebraska, the daughter of Charles and Hazel (Tague) Merchen of Valentine.  

The family moved to South Dakota where Gladys graduated from the White River High School.  She continued her education at Southern State College at Springfield, receiving her bachelor’s degree in elementary education.  She taught for many years in various schools in Todd County, the first being He Dog Elementary at Parmalee in the early 50’s and moving on to Mission Elementary 

Gladys married Howard L. Drucker in 1940 and had three children.  Together they owned and operated two businesses in Mission (Drucker’s Texaco and 18-83 Drive In).  They retired to Valentine, Nebraska, where they were active at the Senior Center for many years.   Howard died in 1999.  Gladys then moved to Brookings, to be near her daughter, Lois. 

Gladys was a long-time member of the Methodist Church and active with the Eastern Star.  She enjoyed hand work, bridge, and golf and was an avid reader.

Gladys is survived by her daughters Carol (Thomas) Buchl of Bella Vista, Arkansas, Lois (Dennis) Blocker of Copley, Ohio, six grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.  

She was preceded in death by her husband, her son, Merle, and two brothers.

Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com.