Gladys Victoria Palencia

Gladys Victoria Palencia was born on June 13, 1957, the daughter of Adolfo and Beatrize Gutierrez Palma in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala. Gladys received her education in Guatemala. In 1977, She moved to California and made her home there until 1999, when she relocated and made her home in Iowa.

Gladys loved to cook and will be remembered for her enchiladas, lasagna, and spaghetti. She enjoyed reading and writing poetry. She also loved to dance and ride motorcycles. She enjoyed nature, some of her favorite things were butterflies, bird watching and flowers. She was a Christian woman who had a strong faith. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family and loved them dearly.

Gladys passed away at her home, surrounded by her family, on October 26, 2022, at the age of 65 years, four months, and 13 days.

Gladys was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Manuel Palencia on March 3, 2017; and several brothers. She is survived by her three children: Karen (Alejandro) Barrera of Aurelia, Ricardo (Sarah) Estrada of West Des Moines, and Mario (Jemima) Palencia of Denison; 11 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren and one on the way; two sisters: Clariza Ochoa of Mexico City, Mexico and Beatrize Ochoa of Los Angeles, California; and many other relatives and friends.

A private graveside service will be held with the family at the Oakland Cemetery.