Gloria Jane McNurlen (1926-2009)
MCNURLEN, SPILLERS, GLIDDEN, WARD, FLEMING, MARS, BRADDY, GRIFFITH
Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 8/8/2009 at 13:39:18
THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Friday, August 7, 2009.
Gloria Jane McNurlen was born in 1926 in Adel to Dwaine Spillers and Pearl Glidden. Her marriage to Ora (Frank) Ward gave her two children, Elizabeth (Beth) S. Fleming and Brian F. Ward. In 1957, the family moved to Ames. After a divorce, she married Keith A. McNurlen in 1964, who preceded her in death in 1973. In 1979, she moved to Del Mar, Calif., where she was a successful Realtor for years. She continued her love affair with the ocean by walking the beaches daily and making many friends along the way.
She maintained lifelong friendships and considered her friends in Iowa and California as special treasures. She loved her two children, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren immensely.
Survivors include her daughter, Beth, and Beth’s three children, Brady Fleming (wife, Shannon, and daughters, Liliana and Eva), Kiley Mars (husband, Matt, and children, Zebulun and Keziah), and Cody Fleming; and her son, Brian, and daughter-in-law, Kay, and their son, Brian (wife, Jen, and children, Kelsey and Jacob). Gloria’s partner, Lou Oberman, has three children, Marc Oberman, Brian Oberman and Caryn Oberman. She considered them and their children a special part of her life and family as well. She leaves behind dear sisters, Floy Braddy and Renee Griffith; and her special, extended McNurlen family and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son-in-law, David Fleming.
She continually found ways to impact others by extending kindness and love. One of her passions was delivering meals for Mama’s Kitchen to AIDS patients confined at home. She did this weekly for 14 years and was hailed as a favorite visitor. She also helped the San Diego Police Department in supporting families during crisis calls. Her legacy of giving continues as she has donated her body to Des Moines University to help in the field of medicine. Her life will be celebrated at a future date.
The family is humbled and grateful for the love, compassion and sensitivity shown by Israel Hospice House staff during Gloria’s brief stay. Memorials for her may be made to Israel Hospice House, 400 S. Dakota Ave., Ames, IA, 50014. Online condolences may be sent to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com .
A 2007 Mothers Day tribute created by her family captures Gloria:
Admirable,
Adventuresome,
Adaptable, Attractive
Bella, Beaming
Beachwalker, Bargain hunter
Charming, Classy,
Captivating Cook
Delightfully, Daring Diva
Elegant, Energetic
Fashionable Frequent Flyer
Gracious, Generous Great Grandma
High Class, Humorous, Healthy and Happy
Independent,
Incomparably Incredible
Joyfully Jubilant
Kindhearted
Lively, Lavish and Loves Italy
Memorable, Matchless Mother
Notable, Nice, Natural born hostess
Outgoing, Optimist, “Oh honey!”
“Precious,” Passionate, People-person
Quick, Queenly,
Quixotic, Quality
Regal Realtor and
Reader
Stylishly Successful Saleswoman
Trendy Traveler
Uniquely Upbeat
Vivacious Vibrant
Volunteer
Wacky Wonderful
Wedding Planner
Xtraordinary
Youthful
Zesty, Zany Driver
THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Friday, August 14, 2009.
A celebration of life open house honoring Gloria McNurlen will be from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Reiman Gardens, 1407 University Blvd., in Ames.
http://www.amestrib.com/
Story Obituaries maintained by Mark Christian.
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