Dear Friend, I am sad to be writing this letter, but it has fallen to me as Gladys Knotts’ daughter to inform you that she passed away peacefully on Monday 14th January in the West Suffolk Hospital with me by her side. She was an amazing lady who was full of life and strength who was much loved by all that met her. Throughout these last few months I have been honoured to care for her as she came to live with me and my husband early last year. She was the strongest, most amazing lady I have ever met and if I can be half the lady she was I will be proud. Her last few years were difficult with her health and pain from osteoarthritis, and in March 2012 she also had a brain stem stroke leaving her unable to open her eyes, yet she never complained and waited quietly for them to reopen, one of which did after 3 months, leaving her eyesight severely compromised. Her faith has never wavered and helped her through these last few years, even at the end of her journey, her faith held her and comforted her. She is resting with the Lord now, comforted and supported by angels, and her next journey is just beginning. During her final stay in hospital I had the opportunity to talk to a couple of mums friends and heard stories of a wonderful woman who was so much more than just a mother, and my brothers and myself would like to ask if you have any special memories or photos of mum if it would be possible to send them to us so we can make a book of her life. We will of course return photos. We are also in the process of joining a website where you can leave messages in remembrance of Gladys (muchloved.com). Gladys was a long term supporter of many charities but particularly Bridges for Peace which supported missionary work in Israel and any donations can be given through muchloved.com, myself or the funeral home. Gladys’ funeral has been arranged for Wednesday 30th January at 12.30pm in South Lopham Church, if you wish and are able to attend my family would love to see you. The family will then be taking mum to the crematorium after the service but will be back in Diss at approximately 3.30pm for a gathering at mum’s favourite place to have Saturday lunch, the Saracen’s Head and you are more than welcome to join the family. I am sorry to be the bearer of such sad news, my mother will be greatly missed, but she has touched many lives and will live on in the hearts of all those that met her. All best wishes from Gladys’ children; Samuel, Timothy and Ruth Ruth