Gladys Labaj

Gladys Milady Labaj, 89, died Friday November 6, 2015 in Temple at a local nursing center.

She was born June 2, 1926 in Taylor to A. J. and Milady (Jansa) Hejl. She grew up on a farm and always honored her rural roots. She was a graduate of Taylor High School and attended Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

She married Milton Labaj on May 20, 1950 in Taylor. While living in San Angelo, she worked several years in the accounting department at San Angelo National Bank. After moving to Austin, her accounting experience was useful to Milton in his work as an agent of the Prudential Insurance Company until his retirement. Gladys was a true partner to Milton. They enjoyed many activities and endeavors together: traveling to visit friends and family, working in the kitchen canning and cooking, gardening in the yard and enjoying the outdoors. Gladys enjoyed observing birds closely, growing flowers, and keeping a daily journal of activities.

Gladys was active in a number of ways in the Brethren Church, having been a member of the Taylor Brethren Church, Wall Brethren Church, Austin Brethren Church, and Temple Brethren Church. She attended Hus School in 1945. At various times she was a teacher of children in Sunday School, member and officer of the local Christian Sisters organization, and sang in the church choir with a strong alto voice. She served for several years on the Executive Committee of the Christian Sisters Union and on the Brethren Journal Business Committee.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Milton, her brother Raymond Hejl, and sister-in-law Lillian Hejl.

She is survived by: Son Mark Labaj and his wife Vernell of Temple, granddaughters Christie Henry and husband Tyler of Dallas, and Angie Labaj of Temple, Brother Gordon Hejl of Granger, Sister-in-law Evelyn Hejl of San Angelo, and brother-in-law Darwin Labaj and his wife Alice. She is also survived by a number of nieces and nephews.

A funeral service to honor her memory and celebrate God’s blessings will be held at Providence Funeral Home Chapel in Taylor on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 2:00pm. A time for visitation with family and friends will precede the funeral at 1:00pm. Following the service there, the body will be laid to rest at the Granger Brethren Cemetery in Granger.

If you wish to remember Gladys’ life with a lasting tribute, the family suggests memorials to the Hus Encampment Building Fund / c/o Ron Krueger, Treasurer / 2108 Quail Cove / Taylor, TX 76574.

The family wishes to thank everyone for their friendship to Gladys and Milton during their lifetimes, and who showed care and concern for Gladys after Milton’s passing. Your gestures of love and kindness will never be forgotten.