Gladys May Winifred Heitmann

Gladys May Winifred Heitmann (nee Ruppel), of Saint Charles, MO, passed away Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the age of 91. Beloved wife of the late Earl Herman Karl Heitmann; cherished daughter of the late Walter and Anna Ruppel; devoted mother of Lori (Kris) Holt, Steve (Diane) Heitmann, Cliff (Tracy) Heitmann, and Lynette (the late Mike) Fisher; loving grandmother of Alana Holt, Michael Fisher, Tyler Heitmann, Nicole (Colton) Gottman, Marina Heitmann, Ann (Eschem) Rosenblatt and Alex Heitmann; many nieces and nephews. Gladys is preceded in death by her brother, Glenn Ruppel, and her three sisters, Laverne Rosendahl, Ann Fahr, and Dorothy Scholle.

Gladys was a loyal member of Trinity Lutheran Church and its quilting group, as well as the Ladies Auxiliary of VFW 4219 and various bowling leagues. She grew up on a farm in Chesterfield until she married Earl, after which they moved to a farm of their own to raise their family. Together, they became well known in their community for selling fresh, delicious vegetables, which gave Gladys the opportunity to connect with her neighbors and give back to others. Deeply devoted to her children, she was always active and present in their lives. Gladys had a great passion for sewing and created many beautiful quilts for her loved ones, as well as stunning wedding dresses for her daughters and daughters-in-law. An avid bowler, she never wanted to miss a game.

Gladys was involved in the local 4-H club, Point Prairie, as a leader where she helped young people learn to cook and sew and she also helped direct multiple Share the Fun skits that won honors, with one skit performed on a local T.V. children's program. When she was younger, Gladys had hoped to one day be a school teacher, and her passion for teaching was evident as she made sure that she passed along to others, her many skills used when living on a farm: from growing a garden to canning food for the winter, being able to sew clothes, crochet comforters and her biggest love of all, making hand stitched quilts. She was also involved with the St Charles Farm Bureau ladies and gave multiple presentations at schools and in the community to help educate and expose the youth to agriculture. Gladys was big-hearted, generous, and dearly loved. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Memorials may be made in Gladys's name to Trinity Lutheran Church.