Gladys VanPoole, 78, of Salisbury died Monday, April 21, 2014, at Rowan Regional Medical Center.

The funeral service will be held Thursday at 2 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. David Nelson officiating. A private burial will be held at Rowan Memorial Park following the service.

The family will receive friends at the St. John’s Chapel Vestibule, beginning at 1:15 p.m. Thursday, prior to the service.

She was born July 4, 1935, in Rowan County, the daughter of the late Freida Edmundson and Melton Baxter VanPoole. She was a graduate of Boyden High School and the Rowan Memorial Hospital Nursing School, Class of 1956. She was employed as a surgical nurse at Rowan Memorial Hospital and was also supervisor of the surgical nursing team. She then worked as a nurse for Dr. Hilda Bailey for many years. She was a lifelong member of St. John’s Lutheran Church.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ruth VanPoole, and a brother-in-law, Gene Auten.

Survivors include good friend Dr. Hilda Bailey of Salisbury; a sister, Becky Van Poole Auten of Salisbury; two nieces, Kelly Auten Powlas and husband, Barrett, of Charlotte, Kim Smyth and husband, Duane, of Statesville; a nephew, Kevin Auten and wife, Jennifer, of Salisbury; three great-nieces, Kristen Powlas of Charlotte, and Addie and Molly Smyth, both of Statesville; and a great-nephew, Dylan Auten of Salisbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Family Crisis Council of Rowan County, 131 W. Council St., Salisbury, NC, 28144; Rowan Helping Ministries, 226 N. Long St., Salisbury, NC, 28144; or the National Kidney Foundation, North Carolina Office, 4701 Hedgemore Drive, Ste 810, Charlotte, NC 28209-2280.

Carolina Cremation of Salisbury, North Carolina is assisting the VanPoole family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.