Gladys L. Herder

Gladys Louise Knoth Herder, 75, of Benton Harbor, passed away, Wednesday, May 14, 2014 after a brief illness, at her daughter’s home in Maryland.  A Celebration of Life service will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. at Chapel Hill United Methodist Church, 4071 Naomi Road, Sodus, with burial to follow at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma.  Friends may visit on Tuesday from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.   Memorials may be given to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church or Hospice at Home.  Friends wishing to leave a condolence may do so at the guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com  Gladys was born September 1, 1938, to Louis & Mae (Cooper) Knoth, in Benton Harbor, MI. Gladys departed this life on May 14, 2014.  She graduated from Montague High School in 1957. Gladys spent many years working as Office Manager for North Shore Memory Gardens and also Kerley & Starks Funeral Home. On May 6, 1990, she married George Herder and they made their home in Benton Harbor. They enjoyed cruising and traveling along with her brother and sister-in-law. She was a faithful member of Chapel Hill United Methodist Church of Sodus, MI. She is survived by her husband George Herder, three daughters Theresa (Larry) Goven, Pam (Ed) Wright, Sherry Herder, two sons Timothy Smaltz and Steve Herder; eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother Richard (Donna) Knoth, and sister Roberta Turlin.  Gladys was preceded in death by her parents and her first husband Everett Smaltz. The 75 years of Gladys’ life were filled with faith, love of family and friends, and the desire to care for others; she was the ultimate caregiver. Now it is time for her to have peace and for the rest of us to celebrate her life.  She will be missed by all who knew her.