Gladys King

Gladys Ellen Swanberg King, age 92 passed away Friday, April 29, 2016 at a local hospital in Nashville, TN while visiting her daughter. She resided in Kerrville, Texas, for many years but had deep roots in Lyford and Willacy County, Texas.

Gladys was born July 6, 1923, in Henning, Minnesota. She was the second of eight children born to Emil Theodore Swanberg and Hildegarde Ethel Johnson. Preceding her in death were Orion Gordon, Carol Julia Critchfield, Ellen Mae Pohlmeyer, Luella Marie Busse and Norman Russell. She has twin brothers, Vernon Emil Swanberg of Raymondville and Virgil Edgar Swanberg of Harlingen and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other beloved relatives in and around Willacy County, Texas.

Gladys' family moved to the Rio Grande Valley in the late summer of 1930. In 1937 they moved to Lyford, Texas. Gladys graduated from High School in Lyford and shortly thereafter she met the love of her life, Wilbur Alanson ''Bill'' King. Bill was in the Army stationed close by. A friend got him a blind date for the Lutheran League picnic with a lady by the name of Gladys Swanberg. That date was June 20, 1942. They were married on December 20, 1942. Bill King died on January 7, 2016; Gladys on April 29, 2016. Bill died 113 days before Gladys. They had been married over 73 years. Except for the war years, this is the longest period they were ever apart. Now they are together again. Their life, love, and marriage are examples to be envied.

Bill and Gladys had four children: Judith Ann Anderson of Franklin, Tennessee; Ronald Wilbur King, deceased; Michael Allen King of Kerrville, Texas and Keith Eugene King of Ardmore, Oklahoma. Ronnie, a pilot in the Army, was killed in a plane crash in 1971,

They are also survived by five grandchildren: Kevin Leo Anderson, Kjersten Paige Anderson Branscome, Trisha Lynne Anderson Ratliff, Tracy Rene King and Michelle Lynne King Carter.

Their youngest descendants are six great grandchildren: Erin Indigo Anderson, James Patrick ''Jake'' Ratliff, Hollis Cailyn Ratliff, Cassidy Alise Branscome, Trinity Noel Branscome, and Dexter Arno ''Gage'' Branscome V.

Celebration of life services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2016 at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kerrville, TX with Reverend Josh Sullivan officiating. The interment will be held 2:30 p.m. Thursday, May 5, 2016 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, TX.

The family will receive friends at Kerrville Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2016.

The family request memorial donations in Gladys' name to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 204 Spence, Kerrville, TX 78028.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.kerrvillefuneralhometx.com. Select obituaries, select ''sign guestbook'' at the top right of the individual memorial.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Kerrville Funeral Home.
(830) 895-5111.

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