Gladys Marie South

Gladys Marie South, lovingly known to many as “Happy Tail,” passed away peacefully at her home in Lebanon, Indiana, on January 22, 2026, at the age of 87.

Gladys was born on May 21, 1938, in Climax, Georgia, the daughter of the late Rev. Stephen Mihlfeld and Mary Edna Mihlfeld. From an early age, she carried with her a strong sense of purpose, faith, and care for others, qualities that would define her life.

She devoted her entire career to the teaching profession where she took great pride in helping others learn and grow. Above all, Gladys cherished time spent with her family. She loved cooking meals that brought everyone together, fishing, and simply being surrounded by those she loved most. She will be fondly remembered for her wonderful sense of humor, her warm smile, her contagious laugh, and her generous heart.

Gladys was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 45 years, Gerald Travis South; her sister, Bessie M. Carter; her brother, Rev. Beryl R. Mihlfeld; her half-brothers Sid, Roy, and John Mihlfeld; her half-sister Julia Bradely; and her great-grandson, Nixon South.

She is survived by her children and their families: Terri Merkli, Michael and Hope South, Christopher and Bridget South; her grandchildren Gina (Steven) Herron, Aimee Eisenmann, Joshua South, Nicholas (Kristi) South, Amanda Moore, Dylan South, Logan South, and Jackson South; her great-grandchildren Stevie and Cameron Herron, Talynn South, Adalynn and Carson South, Aria and Ava Moore; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

A private memorial service will be held with family and Gladys will be laid to rest alongside Travis at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Indianapolis, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Teachers’ Treasures in honor of Gladys’s lifelong dedication to education.

Gladys’s life was filled with love, laughter, and service to others, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.