Dover - Gladys Ballard O'Brien Merkel, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2015, in Capitol Healthcare, Dover. She was 91. The daughter of the late, Ulysess F. & Emily O'Steen Ballard, Gladys was born on April 7, 1924, then baptized, raised, and married on Connemara, which is now a National Historic Site, in Flat Rock, North Carolina. The last surviving member of her family, she was the youngest of five siblings: U. Frank Ballard, Lillian Moorehead, Edna Sitton, and Pauline Von Cannon. Gladys was preceded in death by her first husband, James D. O' Brien (1967); their first child, seven month old Sandra; and Gladys' second husband, Paul E. Merkel (2009). Gladys will be dearly missed by her entire family: children, James T. O'Brien (Theo), of Felton, Peggy J. O'Brien (Jim Ralph), of Magnolia, Michael O'Brien (Christine), of Walkersville, Md.; former daughter-in-law, Sandy O'Brien, of Dover; step-daughters, Cathy Phelps (Glenn), of Arizona; and Winnona Crist (Jon), of Pennsylvania. Her grandchildren include, Tim, Jim (Gen) and Kevin (Jessie) O'Brien, Katie Lanting (Cooper), Brian Phelps (Dani) and Matthew & Drew Crist. Great-grandchildren include Victoria, Timothy, & Tyler O'Brien, Eli & Camdyn Phelps, Soren Lanting and one due in Spring 2016. Gladys' many nieces & nephews in Alabama, North Carolina, and New Jersey will also miss her greatly. Gladys was a proud military wife, and enjoyed being stationed at various bases throughout the world, making new friends, and creating a new home for her family, which always included a beloved cat. A dedicated Christian wife, daughter, mother, and grandmother, family was always first in her thoughts and prayers. Remembered by all for her well-kept, inviting home, and Southern hospitality. Gladys enjoyed flower gardening, cooking, baking, traveling, antiqueing, politics, and listening to her second husband Paul play the saxophone. The family wishes to thank the caring Staff at Capitol Nursing Home. Funeral Services will be 12 p.m., Saturday, September 12, 2015, in Grace Presbyterian Church, 350 McKee Road, Dover; where there will be a visitation for family and friends one hour before. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Camden. Contributions may be made in her memory to Meals on Wheels, 413 N. Lee St., Alexandria, VA. 22314 or to a favorite charity. Condolences may be sent via:
www.pippinfuneralhome.com
