Gladys Rowles

Gladys M. Rowles, Beloved Wife of the late William F. Rowles; Devoted Mother of Patricia Ruth Rowles and Frances Ann Hobson; Grandchildren Kelly, Brian, Tremain, and Jennifer; and 10 great grandchildren, has passed away after 92 blessed years. She was born in Herndon, Va. and moved to PG County when she was five. She attended District Heights Elementary School and later, graduated from Maryland Park High School. She was classmates with her future husband. They fell in love and they were married on March 19, 1946. They purchased a home in Maryland Park where they lived for the rest of their lives. During WWII she worked for the British Government. Gladys worked for the telephone company. Gladys had two daughters that she was devoted to. She led their Brownie Troop's. She was their Sunday school superintendent. She was active in an administrative role at their PTA's. When the girls were in elementary school, she became one of the first woman to be a uniformed crossing guard in PG County. She ran the teen club at both of their junior high and high school's. When they were in junior high she was one of the first two women hired by PG County to become a school bus driver. Gladys drove the bus for 30 years, from 1960 to 1990. She also received her Real Estate license and was active in that pursuit for five years. She loved the water, swimming and fishing. Playing golf was a passion for her. During her last 12 years she still played 9 holes every Wednesday. Gladys loved to be on the go. She loved to travel. She has been all over the USA, attended 2 Super Bowls, and has gone on several cruises on the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean. Gladys has seen China and Russia on river cruises. She took a flying lesson in her 80's. She loved her Redskins, the Orioles and ‘The Young and The Restless’. She loved life. She welcomed adventures. She loved her family and her family and friends loved her. Gladys was extraordinary. Her daughter Pat was assigned to write an essay in elementary school with the topic of "someone you admire". The teacher wrote on top of her paper, "highly unlikely". At the teacher/parent meeting she said to the teacher, "Hi, I’m Pat’s highly unlikely mother". Now, what part of that essay did you think she made up"? She was small in stature but you wanted to step gently. Everyone she met loved and respected her and she will be greatly missed. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Gladys Rowles please visit our Sympathy Store.