Gladys R. Kolb, 89 of Hillsville, passed away on January 7, 2021 at Twin County Regional Hospital in Galax, VA. She was born in New York City on April 22, 1930 to Ralph & Edna (Drew) Ryan. She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Joseph A. Kolb in 2019 and in addition to her parents, her sister, Edna Bachy.

She was a loving and caring mother and is survived by her 4 children, Suzanne, Joseph R (Rhea Gossett), Deborah Rode (Charlie) and Dorothy as well as seven grandsons - Charles, William, Matthew, Nicolas, Ethan, Ryan and Jack.

Born and raised in New York City, Gladys married Joe in 1949 and moved to Charlottesville, VA. Several years later, they moved to Westbury, NY when Joe began his career at NBC and later settled in Massapequa Park, NY. To say she was a stay-at-home mother does it no justice. She was the glue that held the whole Kolb tribe together and was involved with Scouts and schools as she raised her children.

Gladys was an active member of the Nassau County Homemakers Council where she was known to teach sewing and cake decorating. She went back to college after raising her children and was very proud to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy & Psychology from the State University of NY, Old Westbury. She went on to work as the Assistant Registrar for the Nassau County Girl Scouts until she and Joe retired in 1989. Being an avid reader her entire life, she was very proud of reading and collecting the top 100 classic novels.

In their retirement, Gladys & Joe relocated to Hillsville VA and became active in Gladesboro Lutheran Church. They pursued their love of the RV life as active members of Airstream Club International and toured the country in their Airstream for years. She was the Treasurer of the Virginia Unit. She was also a member and officer of the Order of the Eastern Star with the Hillsville Lodge.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00pm on January 13, 2021 at Gladesboro Lutheran Church. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.