Gladys June Scherrah, 87, a loving mother, sister and daughter, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 7, 2016, after a long battle with dementia.  She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Helen Siefert, her husband, Lawrence Scherrah, her sisters, Elizabeth Pack, Gloria Jean Siefert, Doris Mae Siefert and her brother Robert Siefert.  She is survived by her sister Carol Ann Sohmer, her 3 daughters, Laura Zeranski, Priscilla Scherrah, and Helen McKenzie, granddaughter Christina Ketchem, great-granddaughter Lucy Ketchem, son-in-laws Peter Zeranski and Scott McKenzie and grandson-in-law BJ Ketchem.

Gladys was born on, Flag Day, June 14, 1929, and celebrated her birthday in red-white and blue fashion. She loved to wear colorful hats and sing tunes from the 1940’s and 1950’s especially Elvis Presley and Dean Martin.  Having and caring for flowers and plants provided her with much joy.  Devotion to her church and her faith gave her strength that sustained her throughout her life.

She served as a mentor to numerous children during her many years as a teacher’s aide and volunteer at Blanton and Sawgrass Lake Elementary Schools in St. Petersburg.  Working with children gave her great pleasure and she was named a Volunteer of the Year at both of these schools for her devotion and commitment to children. She was also honored as one of President Bush's Points of Light.

Her years of employment included time as a Cafeteria cook in the Plum Borough (Pennsylvania) School District.  In addition she worked for both the State Treasurer’s Office and the Register of Wills in Pittsburgh Pa., Neighborly Senior Center and the Foster Grandparent Program in St. Petersburg, Fl.

Funeral services will be held at Royal Palm  Funeral Chapel and Memorial Gardens 2660 N Gandy Blvd.  St. Petersburg.There will be a viewing from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 12 followed by a service at 4:00 p.m., Rev. Jackie McMillan officiating . A reception will follow at St. James United Methodist 845 87th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33702.  

In Lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pinellas County Education Foundations, Take Stock in Children Scholarship Program.

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