Meeker, Gladys 'Lee'

Gladys “Lee” Meeker, 87, of Washington, died Wednesday, June 1, 2011, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington following a decline in health. Celebration of Life services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, June 6, at the United Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Bob Wollenberg officiating. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation on Sunday from 2 until 4 p.m. at the church. Inurnment will take place at Elm Grove Cemetery at a later date.

Lee was born Jan. 12, 1924, on her family's farm in Jasper County, Iowa, the daughter of J. Arthur and Ena Alice (Barker) Poorbaugh. She graduated from Mingo High School in 1941. Lee attended commercial school in Des Moines and then worked as a private secretary. She enlisted in the United States Navy in 1944, serving for two years in Washington, D.C., and Pearl Harbor. She attended the University of Iowa, where she meet her husband, Everett. They were married Aug. 29, 1948, in Farrar, Iowa. Upon graduation from college in 1950, she worked as a home economist for Johnson County, Iowa until 1953.

She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, where she served as a session member and circle member. Lee was a member of PEO, Fort Nightly Bible Department, Public Affairs Department and Martha Washington Questers. She and Everett enjoyed traveling and attended 40 Elderhostel programs.

Lee is survived by her husband, Everett Meeker of Washington; son, Thomas Meeker and wife Susan of Indianapolis; daughter, Mary Jane Meeker of Iowa City; one granddaughter, Emily Ann Meeker of Indianapolis; and sisters, Jeanne Bonar of Des Moines and Doris Byal of Baxter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Susan Elizabeth Meeker; and her sister, Ethel Eatwell.

Memorials have been established to the United Presbyterian Home Library and Camp Courageous.

Online condolences may be sent for Lee's family through the web at