Gladys Gail Fisher (nee Lovelace), 89, of West Lafayette, passed away on Thursday, November 4, 2021, at Westminster Health Care Center.

She was born March 30, 1932, in Rochester, MN.  Due to circumstances of the time, Gladys was raised primarily by her maternal grandmother Anna Thomas. From early on, Gladys was determined to be the best person she could be.  She joined and was confirmed at Homestead United Methodist church and graduated from Rochester High School in Rochester, MN. Gladys earned a B.A. from Indiana Central College in Indianapolis, IN where she majored in Latin with a minor in Spanish. While there Gladys met and fell in love with James K. Fisher. The two were married on campus on June 19, 1955. The couple raised three boys and remained together for almost 64 years until his death on February 26, 2019.

Gladys worked as substitute teacher in the Branchburg Township Schools for most of the 1970’s until she accepted a full-time teaching position as Branchburg Central Spanish teacher in October of 1981.  Ever a lover of learning, Gladys did post graduate work at Trenton State College. Señora Fisher, as she was known to many of her students, dearly loved educating young minds especially in Spanish grammar and culture until she retired in July of 1994.

Gladys was active in the ministry of the Church throughout her life.  At Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Somerville, NJ she taught confirmation age Sunday School and was well-known for teaching the 8^th graders the gospel using the entire album of “Jesus Christ Superstar” by Weber and Rice. She also served as an Assistant Minister, gave the best coffee hours after worship as a member of the Fellowship Committee, and was an active member of the Women of the ELCA.  After she and Jim retired to Lafayette, IN and became members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lafayette, her coffee hours continued. She became an officer of Church Women United.  Gladys and Jim were active at the local food pantry and became close friends with the late Reverend Jack Hoffman and his wife Helen. They were instrumental in the welcoming of Pastor David Doan, Pastor Hoffman’s successor at Holy Trinity.

In and outside of the Church, Gladys loved learning, baking, crafts, and was the consummate hostess.  At the center of her world was her family.  Always on her mind and in her heart were her three boys and their spouses, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, her brother, and countless extended family both on her side and Jim’s side.  She was known for her parties, especially back-yard parties in Branchburg and her annual Christmastime luncheon at the house in Lafayette.

Gladys is survived by her sons, Bradley K. (Carol) Fisher of Delphi, IN, Brett L. (Karen) Fisher of Columbus, OH, and Thad W. Fisher of Chicago, IL.; her grandchildren, Robyn Fisher, Heather (Brian) Harshfield , Emily (Chris) Kelly, Katie Fisher, Heidi Fisher, Tristan Fisher, Andy Fisher, and Liam Fisher; her great-grandchildren, Reagan and Madelyn Kelly; and her brother, Dana Henderson.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, James Kenneth Fisher and her mother, Sally Henderson.

Visitation will be from 2:00 pm to 3:00pm on Tuesday, November 9^th at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lafayette, IN.

The Funeral service will follow the visitation at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, November 9^th at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lafayette, IN, the Reverend Randy Schroeder officiating.  Interment will be at Meadow View Cemetery, Lafayette, IN.

Memorials may be made to the Holy Trinity Foundation of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lafayette, IN.

You may leave condolences and memories at www.soller-baker.com