Gladys Mae Williams

Gladys Mae Williams, 78, of Merlin, Oregon, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Thursday, October 8, 2020, in Merlin, Oregon. Gladys was born September 3, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, to James and Ida Jennings. The youngest of three, she was the last family member to pass.

She married the love of her life, Charles D. Williams, in 1959. They moved to California from Kentucky in 1961 and a short time after, Roy was born, followed by Alan and then, James.

Gladys babysat for various family members. She worked for K-Mart for 15 years. She was and avid bowler in the ‘70s and liked to play jacks as a child. Gladys also liked card and board games and loved to play Bingo. She liked western movies and new releases. She also loved spending time with her family at the river panning or fishing.


In 1994, Gladys and Charles moved to Oregon and in 1995, they found property and developed the park-like setting it is today.


Gladys continued to play bingo for many years. She also worked at an adult foster care home in Merlin and volunteered at the Moose Lodge. Gladys had a deep love for every animal and pet she owned.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Charles Williams; three sons, Roy Williams, Alan Williams and James Williams; two “daughter-in-loves”; seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and three godchildren.


A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Stephens Family Chapel in Grants Pass at 1 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be immediately following at Josephine County Fairgrounds Bingo/Art Building.