Obituaries

Gladys Gearding (née Smith), 84, of Highland Heights, passed away June 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on November 3, 1941, Gladys lived a life full of beauty, personality, laughter, and love. A proud 1960 Homecoming Queen at Campbell County High School, Gladys carried that same sense of style, confidence, and grace throughout her life. She always wanted to look her best, and those who knew her will forever remember her beautiful smile, youthful spirit, and unforgettable presence.

To her family, Gladys was not simply a grandmother — she was “Nana.” It was the name she loved, the role she embraced, and the title that captured so much of who she was. Nana helped care for and raise many of her grandchildren, offering her time, energy, humor, and love in ways that shaped generations of her family. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed and included, and she loved nothing more than being surrounded by the people she loved most.

Gladys found special joy in family beach vacations, especially when they included her grandchildren. Those trips became treasured memories filled with laughter, stories, sunshine, and the kind of togetherness she valued so deeply. She believed in staying active, taking pride in what you did, and making each day count. Whether through her words, her actions, or her unmistakable personality, she encouraged those around her to keep moving forward and to make something meaningful of each day.

Gladys was also known for telling it like it was. She was honest, straightforward, and never afraid to speak her mind. While her words could be direct, those who loved her knew they came from a place of care, conviction, and deep love for her family. She had spunk, strength, and a heart that showed itself most clearly in the way she cared for her people.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Sherman and Bessie (née Bowling) Smith, and her sister, Shirley Houp. She was joined in eternal rest one day later by her brother, Dexter Smith.

She is survived by her children, Chris (Patricia) Fryer and Tracy Fryer (Jim Westcott); her grandchildren, C.J. (Danielle) Fryer, Matt Fryer, Brittany Fryer, Jenna Fryer, Felicia Fryer, Jimmy Yeager, Zack Fryer, Chloe (Trevor) Harms, and Kadyn Dalton; and her great-grandchildren, Penelope, Sawyer, Scarlett, and Julian; Mikayla, Micaiah, and M’Kail; Izzy; and her soon-to-arrive great-granddaughters, Addison and Brooke. Her family will carry forward her strength, her spirit, her honesty, her laughter, and the love she poured into each of them.

In accordance with her wishes, Gladys gave the gift of anatomical donation to the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Through this generous decision, her life will continue to make an impact by contributing to medical education, research, and the training of future physicians and healthcare professionals. Even in death, Gladys found a way to help others.

A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date.