Neely

Gladys W. Neely, 97, of Gibsonia, formerly of Slippery Rock, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, at St. Barnabas Nursing Home, where she was a longtime resident.

She was born May 7, 1929, in Middlesex Township, to William W. and Martha Maharg Wible.

Gladys married William “Bill” Fremont Neely on Dec. 23, 1965, and he preceded her on July 5, 2003.

Gladys taught at Penn Township (Butler School District), Slippery Rock Laboratory School, Slippery Rock Elementary School and throughout the district up until her retirement in 1977. She was a member of the Slippery Rock United Methodist Church and sang for many years in the senior choir. She was also a member of Slippery Rock Area Woman’s Club, and graduated from Slippery Rock State Teachers College with a Bachelors in Education, and from University of Pittsburgh with a Masters in Education.

Survivors include her daughter, Merrie Beth Neely, of Clearwater, Fla.; stepdaughter, Kim (Richard) Busija, of Blairsville, Pa.; daughter-in-law, Gayle Neely, of Edinboro, Pa.; sisters, Martha McFarland, of Indiana, Pa., and Alice McCullough, of North Carolina; and sister-in-law, Colleen Wible, of Butler; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Gladys was preceded in death by her stepson, Robert Russell Neely; brothers, Roger and Curtis Wible; and sisters, Eleanor Chambers, Catherine Kresge and Janet Karlovich.

NEELY — Visitation for Gladys W. Neely, who died Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, will be from 4 p.m. until the time of service at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9, at SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock, with Pastor Colleen McFarland presiding.

Interment will take place at Brownsdale Cemetery, in Butler.

Memorial contributions may be made to the SRU Alumni Association.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.