Gloria was born in Kokomo, Indiana on January 18, 1939 to Marble F. and Flossie E. Cottingham. She graduated from Kokomo High School in 1956. On March 11, 1960 she married Roy Jackson York. Their love, respect, and friendship for each other lasted until Roy’s passing on September 13, 2001. During this time they lovingly raised three children. In 1991 Gloria married James Ailor who preceded her in death in 2019.
Gloria was a hard worker, giving her all and at times working two jobs. When given a task she went above and beyond what was needed. For the majority of her life she worked in the banking industry at First National Bank. She also worked at Johnson-Wert Title and Wal-Mart in the accounting office.
Gloria had energy, spunk, the need to help, a strong desire to be with people, and a good-natured, competitive spirit. Her love for Jesus, her family, and people endured to the very end. She found happiness in talking to, laughing with, and providing joy to others with her infectious smile. If you knew Gloria you knew happiness radiated from her; it would be common to hear her say, “I am good, my God takes care of me,” followed by her characteristic hugs or smile. Because of this need to be around others and to share the love she has for Jesus she chose to volunteer at various places.
Upon retirement she volunteered at Community Howard as a runner, and she took this job literally, most could not keep up with her. She also worked as a volunteer in the Oncology department where she met and enjoyed working alongside an amazing team of caregivers; some of the same caregivers who would eventually become her care team. From that department, the family would like to thank Dr. Moore and her staff for the exceptional love, support, and care they provided from the beginning. She loved you all and her family appreciates each of you. The family would also like to thank the ER Department and second floor team of nurses at Community Howard for the care, compassion, and support you provided to the family during her final earthly days.
In addition to the hospital, Gloria volunteered at Abundant Life Church Kokomo where she enjoyed being a greeter, smiling and hugging everyone who walked through the door. Gloria was also drawn to the kitchen where she would help with Get-to-Know-You luncheons and funeral dinners. She especially enjoyed the clean up after. No mess went unnoticed. If there was laundry or dishes, you can bet they would be done earnestly and graciously.
Gloria also found delight in cooking for others; if you ever received one of her Sugar Cream Pies or Pecan Pies, you could taste the love. She would cook any food at any time when her family requested, it was never a burden, and always a joy for her--If her family was happy, she was happy.
Gloria is survived by three children: Randy (Amy) York, Defiance OH; Lisa (Brad) Moore, Kokomo, IN; Lanell (Ken) Thomas, Kokomo, IN. Seven grandchildren: Brandi (Jacob) Kinney; Joshua York; Brandon Pope; Stephanie York; Devin (Sarah) Pope; Trevor York; and Nathaniel Moore. Ten Great-Grandchildren: Ethan Vawter; Hannah Vawter; Abigail Vawter; Connor Pope; Gracie Sisneros; Haley Pope; Ava Pope; Ivy York; Kinley Pope; Lily York. Three step-children: James Ailor, Sharpsville, IN; Amy Reed, Indianapolis, IN; and Erin (Ray) Smith, Titusville, FL.
Gloria is survived by four siblings: Norma Wheeler, Lois Shuck, Betty Flook, and Paul Cottingham, and one sister-in-law, Linda Cottingham, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. All loved her dearly, and they were dearly loved.
Gloria was preceded in death by two grandchildren whom she met for the first time in Heaven, six brothers, one sister and one step-daughter.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted with Eller’s Mortuary and Cremation Center. There will be a time of visitation on Thursday, March 21, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Friday, March 22, 2024 with funeral service beginning at 11:00 AM at 3400 S Webster St, Kokomo, IN 46902
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or Abundant Life Church.
Gloria will be laid to rest in Crown Point Cemetery, 1101 E Sycamore St, Kokomo, Indiana 46901.
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