Gladys Kissell

Gladys Collins Kissell, age 98, passed away on July 3rd, 2024, in Fort Worth, Texas.  

She was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana on April 15, 1926, to James B. and Grace A. (Parker) Collins. 

Gladys was a fun spirited soul with a quick wit whose home was filled with laughter and warmth. She found joy in every situation. Even when she struggled with her eyesight and hearing, she still had a vibrant energy and the lucidity to ask about the lives of those around her.  In her final days she said, “I will never feel sorry for myself. I have had such a great life and have been able to do everything I wanted."  

She was forever proud of her three sons, David Kissell of Davie, Florida, Jeff Kissell of Fort Worth, Texas, and Dan Kissell of Davie, Florida. 

Gladys was a woman of faith. She quietly gave to her church, the Cedar Creek Church of Christ, and to her community all of her life, including sewing for the elderly, being a foster grandparent to children at the WCCH, and working in the nursery at her church.      

Gladys had many talents and never enough time to pursue them all: sewing, crocheting, cooking, gardening, and beyond.  Musically, she had a beautiful soprano voice and sang with her church choir. Her family fondly remembers her humming and singing her way through the day. Artistically, she accomplished many beautiful oil paintings that adorn the houses of her family today. As a talented florist, she worked at Cottage Flowers in Ft. Wayne for over 30 years.  Everything she created had an artist’s touch. 

She was devoted to her grandchildren, Chris Kissell, Andy Kissell, Juliann Kissell, Cara Kissell Ristau, and Emma Kissell, and to her cherished great grandson, Aldon Kissell.  She would spend tireless hours playing games with them, making scavenger hunts, playing pretend, doing art projects, and according to them, “no matter what it was, she was always in”. 

Gladys will be remembered forever for her humble, giving heart, her humor, abundant talents, and unconditional love of her family. Her family misses her terribly and they are eternally grateful for the many years they spent together. 

A memorial will be held at Cedar Creek Church on Sunday, July 14th from 2:00-4:00 PM. The family requests that contributions be made to Cedar Creek Church in lieu of flowers.

“His Master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ Matthew 25:21

“Of all the special joys in life,

The big ones and the small,

A mother's love and tenderness

Is the greatest of them all.”

Anonymous 

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