Gloria Jean Bower

Gloria Jean Bower, 77, of Sedalia, MO passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020 at Bothwell Regional Health Center. She was born on May 23, 1943 at home in Sedalia, the daughter of Willie Forrest and Ethel Mae (Maltsberger) Elkins Sr, who preceded her in death.

On November 5, 1959 in Sedalia, she was united in marriage to Eugene Lewis Bower, who preceded her in death.

When Gloria was younger she worked as a carhop at Garst Drive-In and Rival Manufacturing. She was co-owner with her husband of the South 65 and West Side Fina Gas Stations, various gift shops, Bower Sales CB Radio, and Brico Screen Printing, with her son Brian. As the kids were growing up, she enjoyed serving as room mother at Green Ridge School. She also enjoyed painting statues, crocheting, gardening, baking, and taking care of her home. Gloria was a member of the Eastern Star and a past president of the Green Ridge PTO.

She is survived by two children, Brian Bower of Sedalia and Cheryl Callahan (Clint) of Cole Camp; a sister, Ruth Kindle of North Carolina; four grandchildren, David Bower II, Kyle Bower, Hilary Weber (Matt), and Emily Mayo (Randy); and four great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, David Bower; four brothers, Howard Elkins, Willie Forrest Elkins, Jr, James Elkins, and Robert "Bob" Elkins; and three sisters, Marjorie Gearheart, Zelma "Skeeter" Meyer, and her infant twin, Wanda Elkins.

Graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 10, 2020 at New Bethel Cemetery, Sedalia, MO with Rev. Dan Hankins, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in care of Rea Funeral Chapel.