Gladys Watlov

Gladys Isle Pippin Watlov, age 90, of Brainerd, went home to be with her Lord on December 28, 2015. She was surrounded by love from her family.

Gladys was born January 6, 1925, in Alabama to Robert and Willie Pippin. She was baptized at the First Baptist Church of Sandford, Florida in 1934. She was a member of Phi Alpha Kappa Sorority in high school. Gladys attended Stetson University from 1942-1944, she was a member of the Delta Delta Delta Fraternity - Social Sorority, the PHI Society and a member of the Honor Society.

Gladys met her future husband, Reuben "Wat" Watlov at the First Baptist Church in Sanford, Florida while he was stationed there for air flight training. The couple was united in marriage on April 9, 1945, after Wat returned from his tour of duty overseas.

Gladys and Wat raised their 4 children in the Twin Cities. The couple moved to the Brainerd area to a beautiful home on the Gull River. Gladys was very active in, and supportive of, the churches she attended throughout the years. She loved sharing God's word, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, bringing flower arrangements she made from her garden to church, playing the piano and writing Christian songs.

Her family's sadness is only for their own loss of time with Gladys on this earth. They find strength and faith in Jesus and cling to his promises. "When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be! When we all see Jesus, We'll sing and shout the victory!"

Gladys is survived by: her sister Peggy P. Harden of Weatherford, TX; four children: Robert (JoEllen) Watlov of Maple Grove, Diane Watlov Collins of McKinney, Texas, Suzie Watlov Phillips of Fridley, Joanne (Paul) Boblett of Outing; 8 grandchildren: Paul W. (Christina) Collins III, Jessica (Jon) Barian, Erica (Derek) Hokkanen, Sabrina (Robbie Olsen) Watlov, Joey Siusta, Faith Boblett, Kendra Boblett, Trevor Boblett; 7 great-grandchildren: Ally Barian, Amanda Barian, Reece Watlov Olsen, Charlotte Olsen, Jadyn Hokkanen, Gavin Hokkanen, Julia Grace Collins.

She was preceded in death by: her husband Reuben Watlov; her parents Robert and Willie Pippin; and her sister Elizabeth P. Cleveland.

A Celebration of Gladys' Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 11, 2016 at the Pequot Lakes Baptist Church, with Pastor Mike Marcum officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A private internment will be held at Camp Ripley. Memorials are preferred to Pequot Lakes Baptist Church or the donor's choice.

The family would like to express their appreciation to St. Croix Hospice and Edgewood Vista staff for their support and kindness to Gladys and her family.