Gloria Baiz Flores

She was born February 9, 1943 in Brawley, California.

She was the second of five daughter's raised by her parents, fieldworkers Jesus Parra Baiz and Jess Martinez Baiz who preceded her in death.

Gloria and her family moved to Fresno when she was 12 years old. She attended Madison Elementary and is a 1961 graduate of San Joaquin Memorial. While in high school, Gloria worked at several local department stores, including Kingen's in Chinatown, Grants and Rodder's Mademoiselles. From these experience's in business, Gloria went on to earn her a degree in accounting from Central California Commercial College.

In her first full-time job, Gloria served as an assistant to KMJ-580 talk show host Craig Mollison Coordinating schedules with various dignitaries he'd invite on his show. She also worked as an office assistant at the Fresno County Department of Social Services and California Workmen's comp, retiring in 2006.

Gloria married the love if her life, Alfred Flores Jr., in 1962 shortly after his return from a U>S> Navy Assignment in the Western Pacific (WESPAC) They were married for 59 1/2 years and were blessed with three children.

Gloria was well-known throughout the area for her beautiful voice. Whether she was singing the National Anthem at a Fresno Elks Lodge event, or romantic tutor, the well-known songs at a church fundraiser or singing with her mariachi tutor, the well-known musician Manuel D. Gonzalez of the famous local band "Mariachi Santa Cruz," or groups like "Los Camperos of Los Angeles"' audiences recognized immediately. When people would offer to pay her to sing, she'd always decline saying "God blessed me with this voice and I'm just returning the favor."

One of her most memorable singing moments came in 1975 when, at the request of Mayor Ted C. Wills, she sang for then Ambassador of Israel. In addition to singing, Gloria loved to travelling to many parts of the world including Italy, Spain, Germany, Mexico, Hungary, France, and England but her favorite spot was Hawaii!

She was also active in many organizations and activities. She was a Life Member of the VFW Post 900 Auxiliary, a member of the Calwa Lion's Club, the Guadalupe Society - St. Alphonsus Catholic Church and the choir formed by CSUF and the Fresno Philharmonic. She was also one of the founders of Family Support for the 144th Fighter Wing- ANG Fresno and a past Chairwomen of the Mexican Independence Day Parade for the Mexican Civic Committee.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Alfred; three children, daughter Raquel Hotz, and sons Alfred Flores III (Gracie) and Gabe Flores (Megan); five grandchildren, Marissa Hotz, Douglas Hotz, Alfred Flores IV, Christian Flores, and Daly Gloria Flores; four sisters, Mary Ophelia, Sandra, and Sylvia; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and a host of loving friends.

One of Gloria's favorite sayings was "In life everything has a beginning, and everything has an end." In death however, there is no end. Until we meet again...

In recognition of Gloria's favorite color, the family asks that attendees consider wearing something red.

Visitation for Gloria will be held Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.

A Recitation of the Holy Rosary will occur Sunday, March 13, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, 836 E. Nees Ave., Fresno, CA 93720.

A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Monday, March 14, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, 351 E. Kearney Blvd., Fresno, CA 93706.

Gloria will be laid to rest in St. Peters Catholic Cemetery, 264 N. Blythe Ave., Fresno, California 93706.

Serving as pallbearers are Peter Reta, Jr., Alfred Logan Flores, IV, Christian Flores, Douglas Hotz, Mark Santos and Michael Santos.

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