Born Gladys Constance Robles in Santa Barbara, she was the only daughter of Montecito natives, Caesar and Constance (Ruiz) Robles, and passed away peacefully in her home on April 6, 2013, at the age of 89.
A graduate of the class of ’43 at Santa Barbara High School, Gladys married her childhood sweetheart, Joe Diaz, at the end of WWII. They spent 49 years together until he passed at the age of 70. She missed him very much.
Gladys retired after 30 years from Mission Linen to enjoy her home and to spend time with her cousins, Blanche and Lillian, who were so close to her. In their latter years, she enjoyed their daily phone calls and also remembering and laughing with Julie, Rachel, Edna, and sisters-in-law, Jennie and Ora.
Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers, Bill (Connie), Reggie, and her great-grandson, Aiden. She is survived by her daughters, Diane (Matt) Summers and Joanne Diaz; grandchildren, Brandon (Jenny) Buckelew Hall, Andrea Lourant, Pamela Lourant and Briana Summers; and great-grandchildren, Madison, Taylor, Cash and Ambria. Gladys also leaves behind her loving brother, Caesar (Madelyn) Robles of Phoenix, AZ; her devoted sisters-in-law, Katherine and Shirley Robles; and her nieces and nephews, Rod, Mitch, Chris (Susan), Vivian (Michael), Janet, Steve, and Mike (Linda) Robles and their children.
Gladys will be laid to rest with the love of her life, Joe, on Friday, April 12, 2013, 11:00 a.m., at Santa Barbara Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Pueblo del Rey Funeral Services, (805) 895-8409.
