Gladys Lopez Fraser, age 88, of Wickliffe, KY, walked into her heavenly home and in the presence of her Lord and Savior became healthy again, on July 14, 2025.
Gladys was born in Wahiawa, Hawaii on December 13, 1936 to Alfonso and Felipa Ramos Lopez. She was a long time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in LaCenter, KY. Gladys so loved the Lord and His blessed mother Mary, and lived her life true to her strong Catholic Christian faith.
Gladys was known for her impeccable fashion sense. She loved a fun shopping day, especially with her girls, looking for the newest fashion trends, and was an avid collector of beautiful purses and hats. Gladys also served as a floor model for over 10 years for Chico’s in Paducah when the newest season lines would hit the racks.
Growing up in Hawaii, Gladys learned to love the art of dance. She loved all kinds of dance, especially the traditional hula. She made sure to always share her love for the hula and Hawaiian culture with her children and grandchildren.
Many people may not know, when Gladys was almost 5 years old, she and her siblings witnessed Japanese fighter planes, as far as they could see, flying over their home in Wahiawa toward Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. Almost 17 years later, a handsome young Army soldier from Kentucky named David rented one of her mother’s apartments. He offered to drive her to work every day instead of her riding the bus and they were both soon smitten. After they married and for decades to come, she joked that he drove her all the way to Kentucky!
When Gladys spent time relaxing, she could often be found enjoying classic TV movies. And when she discovered social media, it opened a whole new world of communication with family and friends. She enjoyed sending and receiving photos of her beloved family, especially her children and grandchildren.
While she was known for her faith and fashion sense by all those in her life, her beloved family will forever remember her by her sweetest love for each of them and the joy and care she shared with them.
Gladys is survived by her husband of over 65 years, David M. Fraser, of Wickliffe; her two daughters, René (Mike) Doublin of Wickliffe, and Michele (Lee) Steinbeck of Kevil; her son, David L. Fraser of Carrabelle, Florida; a sister, Mary Cussalli of Fountain Valley, California; six grandchildren, Emilee Steinbeck (Alex Holland), Anna Steinbeck, Katie Rorer, Carly Rorer (Ross Willey), Lisa Brown, and Jackie Doublin; three great-grandchildren, Ridge and twins Rosemary and Maple Willey; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Gloria Jacang and Lolita Lopez; four brothers, Milton, Phil, Ted, and Al Lopez; and her daughter-in-law, Gina Fraser.
A funeral mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in LaCenter with Fr. Jude Okeoma officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 am until the funeral time of 1:00 pm on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at St. Mary’s. Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Wickliffe is in charge of arrangements.
Given Gladys’ bright personality and love of fashion, the family has requested everyone wear their brightest colors for her services.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the food pantry at St. Mary’s, P.O. Box 570, LaCenter, KY 42056.
