Gladys J. Metcalf

Gladys Metcalf, 96, passed away on September 3 at 12:30 p.m. at Lincoln Community Hospital in Hugo, Colorado. After a long life filled with family, faith, hard work, conversation, and more than a few treasures, she leaves behind a legacy of making people feel loved, welcomed, and right at home.

Gladys was born December 6, 1929, in Thorp Spring, Texas, to Morgan and Francis Peters. Her family later moved to Farmington, New Mexico. In 1947, Paul Metcalf swept her off her feet and brought her to Hugo, Colorado, where they began their life together. During 65 years of marriage, Paul and Gladys lived in many places, but Gladys had a gift for turning a house—and often an entire community—into home.

In the mid-1960s, Gladys was instrumental in forming and growing the Limon Church of Christ. There she found her niche: welcoming newcomers, caring for long-term members, and making sure everyone knew there was a place for them. She was gifted at building community, offering love freely, and finding the most comforting words when they were needed most.

Gladys could talk to anyone, and she put that gift to good use. Her earnings complemented Paul's farming and ranching income, but to Gladys, work was never only about making a living—it was another chance to meet people. When Rip Griffin's Truck Center opened in the late 1970s, she became the star of Chute No. 2, the gift shop, where she could sell just about anything to anyone who walked through the door. She was especially proud to be named Employee of the Year.

Not long afterward, Treasures Unlimited was born with Rich and Donna. It was a perfect fit for Gladys: a place where interesting things and interesting people were always arriving. Through the business, she met remarkable people and spread antiques—and joy—across the country.

Gladys and Paul raised three children: Richard, Koni, and Kenda. In the early 1990s, Gladys also experienced the joyful reunion of finding her son John, who had been placed for adoption as an infant. The years that followed brought John and the family precious time together and added another cherished chapter to Gladys's life.

She is survived by her son Richard and his wife, Donna; her daughter Kenda Schmeiser; her son John, her son-in-law Dan; her grandchildren Misty and her husband, Chad, Seth and his wife, Lauren, Crystal and her husband, Chato, Nate and his wife, Mary, and Tyler and his wife, Heather, Nick and his wife , Kim, Jill ; and her great-grandchildren Brooke, Carter, Tyler, Mcrea, Sven, Olivia, Rustin and Hayden.

Gladys was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Paul Metcalf, their daughter, Koni Bock, and daughter-in-law Rita.

Gladys spent the final seven years of her life at Aspen Leaf Assisted Living in Limon. Her family is grateful to those who cared for her there and at Lincoln Community Hospital. They are even more grateful for 96 years of her warmth, faith, humor, determination, and remarkable ability to make strangers feel like friends. Wherever Gladys went, people belonged—and that may be the greatest treasure she ever shared.

The Celebration of Life is scheduled for October 24, 2026 at 2pm at the Limon Church of Christ.