Gladys M. Goldthwait, 87, of rural Big Rapids, passed away Sunday, July 13, at Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids. She was born June 16, 1927, in Sebewa Township, MI, the daughter of Robert and Ruth (VanBuren) Merrifield. She was a graduate of Big Rapids High School. In 1947, Gladys married Martin Goldthwait and they settled in the Morley Stanwood area. Their many years of marriage included wonderful memories with family and friends and the love of music and dancing. She was well known for her cooking skills as she fed thousands of students while working for Morley Stanwood Schools. After retirement, she and Martin spent many years enjoying their winters in Florida. Gladys is survived by one daughter, Sandy (Nick) Rynberg of St. Petersburg, FL; three sons, Terry (Mary) of Morley, Duke (Barb) of Morley, Lynn (Barb) of Big Rapids; nine grandchildren, Travis, Trisha, Karla, Rachel, Fred, Amanda, Brenton, Brittany, Logan; seven great grandchildren and one brother-in-law, (caregiver) Keith Reynolds of Stanwood. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Martin, four brothers and four sisters. Funeral Services will take place at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, July 16, 2014, at the Northland United Methodist Church in Stanwood, with Pastor Gary Bondarenko officiating. The family will greet friends on Tuesday, July 15, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids and one hour prior to services at the Church on Wednesday. Burial will be at the Aetna Township Cemetery in Morley. Memorial contributions in Glady's name may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice.