July 7, 1933 – September 27, 2022 Gladys Lee (Padgett) Herrly, also known as “Skeet” to her relatives and Glady to the staff at Ridgeview Assisted living, was born July 7, 1933 in Narcoosee, Florida to Charley and Helen (Todd) Padgett. Gladys died on September 27, 2022, at Ridgeview Assisted Living in International falls, Minnesota.
The family moved from Florida to the Grattan and Pomroy Township area in Northome, MN in 1935. She graduated from Bigfork High School in 1951. On July 14, 1951 she married Bill Herrly. They moved to Int’l Falls in 1953 where after several moves they made their home at Pelland Junction with their children David, Gary, and Janice.
Glady’s greatest love and compassion in life were children. In 1965 Bill and Gladys opened their hearts and home to foster children, serving 44 years and welcoming 126 children into their home. During this time they adopted three children, Christine, Lori, and Jennifer bringing the family to eight. One year Bill and Gladys were recognized as Foster Parents of the Year. Gladys was grateful for all the placement of children and staff support she received from Koochiching County Family Services.
Because family was important to Gladys in 1963, she was instrumental in starting the Tillotson family reunion. There were 6 families participating on Bill’s side of the family. The first reunion was at Cass Lake with many yearly reunions around the Brainerd resort area. If asked what was the greatest event of the year, the children would definitely reply the family reunion!!
In February 2016 Gladys moved into Ridgeview Assisted living where she spent her last 6 years.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband Bill in 2004. Her survivors include six children: Dave (Barb) Herrly of Int’l Falls, Gary (Lorna) Herrly of Littlefork, Janice (Dennis) Page of Martinsville, Indiana, Christine (James) Lundemo of Cook, Lori (Teddy) Herrly of Int’l. Falls, and Jennifer Herrly of Moorhead, 13, grandchildren, 18, great grandchildren, 3 greatgreat-grandchildren, special friend Bev Mayfield (Who she adopted in her heart) and all 126 foster children.
A visitation will be held at Green Larsen Mortuary on Thursday, October 6, 2022, from 5-7:00 pm with a prayer service at 6:30 pm.
A funeral service will be held at Calvary Covenant Church in Northome, on Friday, October 7, 2022, at 11:00 am.
Following the service, interment will be at the Grattan Cemetery with a luncheon to follow provided for all of “Skeet” family, relatives and friends.
If so desired, memorials would be preferred in Gladys’ memory.
Condolences may be left on www.greenlarsen.com Arrangements are with Green-Larsen Mortuary, Inc.
