Gloria M. Royal

Gloria Mary Royal (nee Kirchvogel), 94, a 70-year resident of Des Plaines, passed away on October 17, 2022. She was born on April 25, 1928 to the late Roman and Frances Kirchvogel. On April 30, 1949, she married Ora J. Royal, Jr. He preceded her in death on December 2, 2013 after 64 years of marriage.

Gloria enjoyed knitting, sewing, and as a master quilter, made many coveted and loved baby blankets for family. She was not shy to learn new things and took up golf at age 40. Gloria and Ora played over 40 years together in leagues and on weekend vacations. She was so proud of her hole-in-one at age 59! With so many friends, some lifelong like her best friend Joan, she also enjoyed bridge and pinochle, going to lunch and dinner, and drinking a nice red wine or a Rob Roy.

She and Ora were also active participants in the Prudential Retirees group and the Steinmetz Alumnae Association, in which she held numerous offices. As an election judge for decades and many years helping with the Girl Scouts as cookie chairman, she was glad to serve her community. She loved the outdoors, and camped in a tent with her family all over the country for many years. Gloria also had an adventurous spirit and took off on her own to go rafting down the Colorado River – twice! She also loved gardening and growing vegetables. Gloria will be greatly missed by family and friends.

She is survived by four children: Pamella Royal of Addison, IL, Keith (Kathy) Royal of St. Joseph, MI., Christine Royal Bending of Medinah, IL, and Ora Janis (the late Ron) Borrieci of Longwood, FL; 8 grandchildren: Jason (Lisa), Brook (Ryan), Kirk (Nicole), Stefanie (Vik), Chase (Brittany), Trevor (Amanda), Bennett, and Kenna; and 12 great-grandchildren: Jackie, Julia, Raegan, Katelyn, Emmett, Reid, Phoenix, Caroline, Warren, Briggs, Adeline, and Thatcher. She is also survived by her sister, Dorothy (Casey) Paul of Elk Grove Village, IL; and many nieces and nephews.

We will forever remember swimming in her pool, her crunchy peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (or liverwurst), and sneaking cookies from her cookie jar. Our special family Christmas tradition was sharing Swedish pancakes at her house every Christmas morning.

Cremation was handled by Oehler Funeral Home in Des Plaines. A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, November 4, 2022, at 10:00 am at Holy Ghost Catholic Church located at 254 N. Wood Dale Road, Wood Dale, IL, 60191 with a gathering beginning at 9:30 am. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Skin Cancer Foundation. (www.skincancer.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OehlerFuneralHome.com for the Royal family.