Gladys Rakowitz Shults, 91, of San Antonio, passed away peacefully in the presence of her family on Sept 19 after a short illness. She was born March 26, 1935 at the height of the Great Depression and grew up working hard on the family farm in Atascosa County; both facts provided enduring lessons and wisdom that she would utilize throughout her years. She was the daughter of Emil Rakowitz and Ophelia (Richter) Rakowitz.

She attended Leming Schools and graduated from Pleasanton High School where she was a cheerleader and Valedictorian of her class. Work led her to the bright lights of San Antonio, where she went to work as a secretary for the San Antonio Police Department in the early 1950’s. She made many enduring friends during that time and met her future husband, James M. Shults, in the mid 1950’s. They were married in Pleasanton in 1958.

Her husband James (Myrle) was a pilot, and their early married life led them to Corpus Christi, where he flew for the Celanese Corporation. There they welcomed their first-born son, Wesley, in 1960. After moving back to San Antonio, another son, Bradley, was born in 1962. Myrle was hired by Eastern Airlines in 1966 and moved the family to New Jersey, where she gave birth to a third son, Jeffrey, in 1967. The family made its way back to San Antonio in 1970, where they built a new house in Colonies North that Gladys helped make a welcoming home for her family and friends. As her boys grew older, Gladys returned to work. She was a secretary and office manager for real estate concerns for several years, making friendships that endure to this day.

After the death of her husband Myrle in 1988, she transitioned to the healthcare field, again managing offices for nurse staffing companies and medical professionals. After a full career and at the age when most people retire, Gladys was still not ready for pasture, as she would say, and so she went to work for the University of Texas Health Science Center. She was most proud of her work raising her sons, but her time at the Health Science Center was something that brought her great reward and satisfaction. She worked in administration for the Radiology Department where she soon became house mother, confidant, and chief organizer for the young doctors and fellows who passed through. She would stay there for another entire career before finally retiring for good at the age of 88. Again, she forged friendships here that endured until her passing. 

Though she never forgot the farm where she was raised, Gladys traveled extensively throughout the years, first with her family and later with relatives and friends. Her experiences ran the gamut from road trips in a camper van to transatlantic flights and hot-air balloon rides. She went as far afield as Hawaii, Europe, and Egypt. She attended Sunday Mass at Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and dined out on the Nile in Cairo. She was always in the market for another adventure and spoke often about her travels. Gladys was a devout Catholic and always became a part of the local church wherever the family resided. In San Antonio, she was one of the founding members of St. Matthew Catholic Church and attended Mass there for over fifty years. She became well known over the years and again made lasting friendships amongst the other congregants. Her faith and the community of the church were a great comfort and inspiration to her. 

Her work throughout her life and her legacy as a mother is reflected in her sons and grandchildren. She is survived by her two brothers James Rakowitz of Corpus Christi and Sam Rakowitz ( Bonnie) of Pleasanton, sons Wesley and Jeffrey Shults (Stacey) of San Antonio, and Bradley Shults (Janet) of Anchorage, and grandchildren, Hannah, Kalena, Garrett, Landon and Jackson Shults.

A visitation and rosary are scheduled for Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Hurley Funeral Home, starting at 5:00 pm with a reciting of the rosary at 7:00 pm. Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 25, 2026 at St. Andrew Catholic Church starting at 11:00 am. Gladys will be laid to rest next to her husband Myrle, at St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery No. 1.