Gladys Engleman

Gladys Engleman, 104, of Avon, Indiana passed away on June 28, 2026 at her home. She was born on January 23, 1922 to Charles Newkirk and Jennie Ficklin.

Gladys lived most of her life in Petersburg. She gave birth to the joy of her life Donna Faye Hurst Caruso on March 15, 1943. She was married for a time to John Engleman of Petersburg.

Gladys was a very social person. She enjoyed talking with people and getting to know them. She loved dancing and spent many nights dancing the night away at the Executive Inn in Vincennes and the Holiday Inn in Jasper, among other places. She also enjoyed many types of cards and other games.

Over her long, busy lifetime, she worked for many places. She had a beautician license. She worked for the county courthouse. She eventually retired from the Farm Bureau in Petersburg. She always spoke fondly of her career with Farm Bureau. After retirement, Gladys took care of her mother Jennie Collins until she passed away in 1991.

Gladys moved to Indianapolis in early 2000 to be closer to her daughter Donna and her husband Wayne Caruso. She enjoyed many years living in her own home surrounded by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gladys is survived by her granddaughters Andrea L Romine (Ralph) and Marla J Schroeder, and her grandson James R Schroeder. She had five grandchildren, Andrew, Raquel, Midas, Daniel, and Cecilia. She also had three great grandchildren, James, Naomi, and Elsie.

Gladys was preceded in death by her daughter Donna Faye Hurst Caruso, her mother and father, her sisters Fay and Aldena, and her brother Freddy.

A graveside service for Gladys will take place at 1 PM EST on July 2, 2026 at Arnold Cemetery in Petersburg, IN. Pastor Fred Rodkey will be officiating. Harris Funeral Home is entrusted with care.