Gilda Jean Otte

Gilda Jean Otte, of Maryville, Missouri, was born May 18, 1927, in Malvern, Iowa, to Carroll “Cad” and Mildred (Chapin) Perkins. She passed away on April 25, 2026, at Oak Pointe Assisted Living in Maryville surrounded by loving family.

After graduating from high school, Gilda moved to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where she worked in an attorney’s office before accepting a civil service position in the ration office during wartime. When the ration office closed, she moved to Omaha, Nebraska, and worked for Mutual of Omaha until her marriage. She later settled in Sidney, Iowa, where she worked for the State of Iowa for 16 years. After moving to Missouri, she continued her career with the State of Missouri and Williams Lawn Seed.

A lifelong learner, Gilda took night classes in social service work and earned an Associate Degree. She also completed real estate and appraisal coursework and became a licensed real estate agent in the state of Iowa.

She was a devoted member of the Methodist Church in Sidney. Gilda was a 54 year member of Eastern Star, a 78 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary—serving as President of Unit 128 in Sidney and as Past 7th District President—and a 43 year member of PEO Chapter KP in Maryville.

On January 26, 1947, Gilda married Robert (Bob) L. Myers, and together they made their home on a farm north of Sidney, Iowa. They were blessed with three children: Pamela, Roberta (Bobbi), and Kristie. Bob passed away on March 18, 1976. In July 1979, Gilda married Jack Otte, and the couple made their home in Maryville, Missouri.

Gilda and Jack spent 43 years together sharing a love of travel, exploring destinations across the United States and abroad. They especially enjoyed cruises, including memorable evenings dancing across the ocean to the Les Brown Band.

Gilda loved playing cards, especially bridge, and participated in many tournaments. One of her favorite stories was the day she and Jack won a game in an Omaha bridge tournament against Bill Gates and his “hired pro.”

Above all, Gilda cherished her family. She delighted in attending the events and activities of her grandchildren and great grandchildren, traveling to Nebraska, Iowa, Texas, New Mexico, and Georgia to be with them.

Jack preceded her in death on April 29, 2022. Gilda was also preceded in death by her daughter Kristie (1969); her parents; her brother, Jack Perkins; her sister, Patricia Sievers; stepson, Roger Otte; step-great-grandchild, Erick Fadness; and her grandparents, Clarence and Josephine Chapin, and Zopher and Louisa Perkins. Gilda is survived by two daughters, Pamela (Gary) Williamson of Atchison, Kansas, and Bobbi (David) Schaaf of Sidney, Iowa; two stepdaughters, Janis (David) Ketcher of Des Moines, Iowa, and Susan (Norman) Townsend of Waco, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on May 9, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Bram Funeral Home, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place the same day at Nodaway Memorial Gardens.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Oak Pointe and Three Oaks Hospice for their compassionate care.

Arrangements are under the care of Bram Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to PEO Chapter KP or Three Oaks Hospice.

Gilda’s legacy of style, grace, love, and kindness will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew her.