Gladys Eilene Eastep

Gladys Eilene Eastep, 78 of Walkersville, Maryland passed away at her residence on September 28, 2024 following a two year battle with cancer. 

She was born August 23, 1946 in rural Williamsburg, PA., daughter of the late Allison D. & Hazel E (Imler) Brumbaugh. On July 16, 1965 she married her high school sweetheart Robert Eugene Eastep. Surviving are her beloved husband of 59 years; two sons: Robert “Alan” Eastep (Shari) of Xenia, Ohio and Ronald Eugene Eastep (Diana) of Fort Mill, South Carolina; Four grandchildren: Jennifer in Tennessee, Marissa in Virginia, Brooke in Ohio, Megan in South Carolina; four great-grandchildren; three sisters: Susan Albright (Harry) of Roaring Spring, Cindy Bigelow of Williamsburg, Sherry (Pete) Brumbaugh of Hollidaysburg, and a brother: Frederick (Judy) Brumbaugh of Williamsburg. Gladys was preceded in death by two sisters: Deloris and Melda Ruth. 

Gladys was a 1965 graduate of Central High School, Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. After graduation, Gladys worked for a short time at the Martinsburg Shoe Factory before moving with her husband to Maryland. They first settled in Frederick, then moved to Walkersville. Gladys was very active with the boys activities and being a homemaker. She worked part time for the Wisner’s at Glade Link Farms. She also helped with the many home remodeling projects mixing cement, getting lumber, bending metal, or whatever. Most always a willing participant.

Crafting was always one of her favorite hobbies, she loved creating stuff. As the boys got older, this hobby grew into a real business “Gifts By Gladys”. The business provided opportunities to go to many different areas to both buy and to sell. She was real handy at finding reasons to go to Lancaster for something she needed. She would find one of her buddies and off they would go. Gladys especially enjoyed going to the craft conventions (places like Vegas) with one of her sisters or her niece, Brenda. When Gladys and Brenda got together they were always laughing about something, or nothing.

Spending time with the granddaughters was important. Every summer Gladys would try to host a granddaughters week where it was her and the girls doing fun things. She also enjoyed all the Smokey Mountain cabin trips with the kids and grandkids.

Gladys was always ready to go, didn’t really matter where: just get away and go. She enjoyed long trips: cruises (especially Alaska), trips to Hawaii, Okinawa, and California, and shorter road trips: see kids, grandkids, and siblings. Upon retirement, Gladys and her husband bought a travel trailer and over the years managed to visit 49 of the 50 states. They mostly enjoyed spending the cold winter months in the Yuma, Arizona area.

Gladys was a member of the Glade Valley Church of the Brethren in Walkersville, Maryland. Instead of a public service, the family suggests that you please take a moment to reflect on your favorite memories with Gladys. Private inurnment will be held at St John’s Lutheran Cemetery in rural Williamsburg, Pennsylvania.

Arrangements are with Stauffer Funeral Home, Frederick, MD. Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.