Gladys Jean Balocca
July 30, 1946 – March 14, 2020
LAWRENCE — Gladys Jean Balocca, Perry, formerly of Oskaloosa, and formerly a long-time resident of Burlingame, died Saturday, March 14, 2020 at a care facility, in Lawrence. She was 73.
Gladys was born July 30, 1946, the daughter of Oliver “Ray” and Jean Heusted Tufts. That family included a sister, Gayle and a brother, John and a close cousin, Aletha. Her school years were spent in Burlingame where she graduated from Burlingame High School with the class of 1964.
Danny Lee Balocca and Gladys Jean Tufts were married June 28, 1964, in Osage City. He survives.
They made their home in Burlingame and raised their family of five children in that community until the Hallmark plant, at Osage City, was closed. Danny was transferred to the Leavenworth plant and they relocated to Oskaloosa.
Gladys was active in a number of clubs and organizations. Growing up, she went with her mother to Extension Unit meetings, and continued to do so in both Osage and Jefferson counties. She was active in Kansa Prairie Quilters and Kaw Valley Quilt Guild and met with quilters from around the state through an online quilting group.
She was a member of Federated Church, Burlingame. When they moved to Oskaloosa, she was involved in the First Baptist Church. Gladys was an active listener, taking notes during sermons and bore witness to her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior.
Gladys was a child-care provider and staffed the front desk at the Jefferson County Medical Clinic for several years.
She was predeceased by her parents, and a sister-in-law, Judy Tufts.
Besides her husband, she is survived by five children, Mark Balocca and wife, Randee, Matthew Balocca and wife, Sarah L., Dean Balocca and wife, Tara, Dana Nichols and husband, Greg and Sarah Jean Balocca; seven grandchildren, Brett Balocca, Thomas Noble, Rachael Balocca, Rebecca Balocca, Kendra Balocca, Kiera Balocca and Kingston; and a great-grandchild, Laila Balocca.
A private family burial was held Friday, March 20, in Burlingame Cemetery, Burlingame. A public memorial service will be held at a later date.
