Gladys Evelyn Sramek

Gladys Evelyn Sramek, 104, of Atwood, Kansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Prairie Senior Living Complex in Colby, surrounded by love.

Gladys was born on March 21, 1921, on her family’s farm in Sylvan Grove, Kansas, to Frank and Mary (Vocasek) Shanelec. The youngest of six children, she grew up knowing the value of hard work and the joy of family. After graduating high school, she moved to Denver, Colorado, where she met the love of her life, Hubert Joseph Sramek. They were married on April 1, 1942, and soon after settled back in Rawlins County to farm and raise their family.

Gladys was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She poured her love into her home, her garden, and especially her kitchen - always making sure there was a place at the table for everyone. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, sharing stories, laughter, and good food.

In 2011, after a stroke, Gladys moved to Prairie Senior Living Complex, where she continued to touch the lives of those around her with her kind spirit and quiet strength.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Hubert, three brothers, and two sisters.

Those who carry her memory include her daughters, Cheryl (Jim) Banister, Marilyn (Grant) Glad, and Vicki Sramek; her grandchildren, Tammi (Wade) Carmichael, Ami (Kevin) Torrey, and Jeff Glad; her great-grandchildren, Teryn Carmichael, Ty (Gaby) Carmichael, and Camryn Glad; and her great-great-grandson, West James Carmichael - along with many other family and friends who were blessed by her love.

A private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Fairview Cemetery in Atwood. Memorials in her honor may be made to Prairie Senior Living Complex and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, Kansas 67701. For more information or to share condolences, please visit baalmannmortuary.com.

A special message from our family: To the incredible staff and dear residents at Prairie Senior Living - you weren’t just caregivers and neighbors; you became family. You truly got Gladys. You laughed with her, embraced her stubborn streak, and always made sure she felt seen, valued, and loved. The compassion, friendship, and dignity you gave her filled her final years with comfort, joy, and even a little mischief. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for loving her like one of your own. We will never forget the kindness you showed to her - and to all of us.

Her life was a gift, her love a blessing, and her memory a treasure we’ll hold onto always.