Gloria passed away peacefully at home in Las Vegas, Nevada, on the morning of April 8, 2021, at the age of 97.
She was predeceased by her husband, Jesse, her son, Ronald, her twin brother, George, her parents, Klaus and Effie Korthuis, son-in law, Jim, and grandson, Anthony. She is survived by her daughters Sandra (Rick, Las Vegas), Sharon (John, Hawaii), Shirley (Billy, Arizona), Patricia (Maryanne, Denver), grandsons, Thomas, Robert (Pablo), Daniel (Theresa), David (Bethany), and Patrick, and great grandsons Mason and Matthew.
Gloria was a fun-loving, compassionate, and incredible human being. She was loved by all those who knew her. She never passed judgment on anyone. She had a ready smile and an infectious laugh that would warm a room. When she lost her husband of 18 years, she wrapped her arms around her five young children and did not let go. To provide for her family as a single parent, Gloria would work at several occupations over the years, but mostly in the nursing profession.
All through her school years in the small town of Snyder, Colorado, Gloria would participate in field day events and won ribbons in any event she participated, be it running, high jump or broad jump, whatever. Gloria was an avid card player, bingo player, bowler, and loyal Denver Broncos football fan. But most of all, she loved to play basketball. She joined a women’s 65+ league named “The Canyon Nets Golden Girls” after having moved to Albuquerque and at the gentle age of 73, became one of the 1997 U.S. Senior Olympic National Women’s Basketball Champions.
While she loved her activities with friends, what she loved most in life was her family and her passing has left an indelible void that cannot be filled. She endured several personal losses throughout her life, but her Christian faith brought her through each one, leaving her stronger each time. She passed that faith on to her family by example, and it will be that faith that will see them through the coming years. She quoted the words of a Christian gospel song she frequently listened to at the funeral of her beloved twin brother, George, and would say them to her family now, “I will meet you in the morning just inside those eastern gates.”
Private services will be held on Friday, April 23, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., at the Fort Logan National Cemetery. The family is grateful for all the love and support being sent at this time.
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