Gladys Laverne Thornal Owen died in Lampasas on June 8, 2026.
She was born in Lampasas County on Jan. 7, 1926 to Oscar and Della Anderson Thornal and celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this year. She lived in Lampasas County all of her life with the majority spent on the Thornal family ranch settled in the late 1800s.
Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Ray Owen.
She is survived by her daughters Sandra West (Michael) and Patricia Schaub (Randy); three grandchildren, John Bryan West, William Charles and Matthew Thomas Schaub; and numerous greatgrandchildren, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Although small in stature, Gladys was big in heart. She loved helping people and never refused a request. She participated in her daughters’ activities, whether it was Girl Scouts, 4-H, band trips or practices, driving all over Texas for them.
She was a lifelong member of School Creek Baptist Church and strong in her faith. She assisted with VBS, holiday activities, Friday Supper Club and served as church secretary for countless years documenting meetings and creating a detailed history of her church.
She put out American flags on the graves of military servicemen on each holiday at Smith Cemetery to honor their service.
Gladys loved to play dominoes and cards and played regularly with different groups in Lampasas. She loved to travel and was always ready to hop in the car and go, it didn’t matter where. She went to Europe several times with friends and family and created photo albums to document her trips.
Her favorite snacks were Dr Pepper and Baby Ruth candy bars. She spent time clipping articles about “her” kids and upon their high school graduation presented each with the memory journal she had created.
Gladys’ body is to be cremated.
A memorial service to honor her life will be held at a later date. Fulton Family Funeral Home has charge of arrangements.
