FLEMINGSBURG, KY - Gladys Evelyn Evans McCartney passed away on Saturday, Jan. 28 at her home with her children by her side. She was born on August 12, 1917 in Red Wine, Kentucky, as the fourth child of Drew and Lucy (Thompson) Evans. Morehead, Kentucky was her home for her youth. She attended Ohio State University where she received her bachelor's degree in Social Work. After graduation she moved to eastern Kentucky where she was employed in her field. Roads were lacking in that area, so she often had to ride a mule to reach people in need. She was then hired by the American Red Cross in their Emergency Services Division, during which time she traveled throughout the country assisting communities when disaster struck. After several years, she decided to further her knowledge and earned her master's degree in Social Work from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Ohio.

During a vacation home from Case Western Reserve, her sister, Sidney, decided to play match maker and set Gladys up on a blind date with Howard McCartney from Flemingsburg. It worked, and the two married on November 6, 1948. Wasting no time they had four children in five years: Frank, Sidney Jane, Eldon and Dent. Gladys was a homemaker and also was involved in the community with Cub Scouts, Garden Club, Flemingsburg Christian Church, Homemaker's Club, PTO, 4-H, and several bridge clubs.

Gladys befriended two young people and considered them her children as well: Goldie Graham of Flemingsburg and Donna Everman, a foster daughter.

Her marriage was cut short by the untimely death of Howard in 1964. She reentered the work force shortly after his death as the Regional Manager for the Kentucky Department of Human Resources. Fortunately her office was located in Flemingsburg, allowing her to work close to home while raising her children. She later became the first woman to be an Area Director for the Kentucky Department Human Services and remained in this position until she retired at the age of 70.

Preserving history was always her passion as she took pride in the McCartney Home and was able to have the house registered on the Kentucky Historical Register. She took pride in opening her home for historical tours and it was featured in illustrations from artist E. B. Lewis in a children's book Home Grown House.

Before she and Howard married, she purchased a cottage at Park Lake which became her "favorite place". Preserving and saving memories were always important to her. She spearheaded the task of having the Lake designated a Kentucky Landmark by the Kentucky Heritage Commission. Deciding that was not enough, she also took on the task of gathering a comprehensive collection of historical details and photos of Park Lake. Along with her coauthor John Klee, she published the book Park Lake through the Years in 1997, which recounted the lake's history.

Turning her attention to her church, she decided she also wanted to record the history of the beautiful stained glass windows of Flemingsburg Christian Church. With no records found, the focus changed to telling the significance the symbolism in the windows. She recruited her family's assistance and she published this book in 2002.

Even before retirement she loved to travel. Some of her favorite trips included going on cruises with her friends and family, traveling to Europe with her colleagues and cousins, enjoying the beach with her grandchildren, and being the guest of American Ambassador to India Bill Saxbe and his wife Dolly, who were both longtime friends from college.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, June and Eldon Evans and her sister, Sidney Lane.

She is survived by:
Her children and their spouses:
Frank and Marsha (McNeill) McCartney
Sidney Jane (McCartney) and Jack Day
Eldon and Michelle (Sullivan) McCartney
Dent and Ginny (Newman) McCartney

Her eight grandchildren and their spouses:
Rachael (McCartney) and Jason Benjamin
Amye Day
Christopher and Missy McCartney
Michael Day
Matthew & Ashley McCartney
Laura McCartney
Robbie Day
Bryan McCartney

One great-grand child - Harper McCartney

Nieces and nephews include Tom Hinton, Lynn Evans, Sissy Schmidt, Alice Nadeau, Jim Johnson, Betsy Johnson, Billy Lane and Drew Lane.

At her request, Gladys was cremated. Visitation will be at the Flemingsburg Christian Church on Saturday, February 4 starting at noon with a memorial service following at 3:00 p.m. Boone - Nickell Funeral Home is caring for all Mrs. McCartney's arrangements.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions to your choice of the following:
Flemingsburg Christian Church, 201 East Water Street, Flemingsburg, KY 41041
Fleming County Hospital, 55 Foundation Drive, Flemingsburg, Kentucky 41041
Fleming County Covered Bridge Museum, c/o Brenda Plummer 290 West Water Street, Flemingsburg, KY 41041