Gloria Lara Sanchez

In 1965, Gloria and her husband moved their family to Planada, CA.  She moved her family to Merced in 1980 where she lived the remainder of her time in CA  and raised her children. Gloria attended San Jose State University and worked in various roles, including as an aide and bus driver in Planada. She worked tirelessly throughout her life to support and care for her family.

Before leaving California, Gloria was an active member of Sociedad Edad de Oro, where she served as Treasurer Suprema. For the last 24 years of her life, Gloria lived with her daughter Maria, son-in-law Roy, and their family in Arizona. She also cherished spending summers in Atwater, CA, with her daughter Leticia, son-in-law Rick, and their family. Gloria was passionate about reading, knitting, crocheting, making jewelry, and most of all, spending time with her grandchildren.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Manuela Orozco and Rufino Lara, and her son Edward Sanchez. She is survived by her five children: Pat Perez, George Sanchez (Marion), Julie Contreras (Bill), Leticia Gutierrez (Rick), and Maria Soria (Roy). She also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one on the way.

Gloria was a devoted mother and grandmother, and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Thompson Funeral Chapel in Goodyear, AZ.