Gloria Jean Bruns was born on November 12, 1943, to Eldyn and Ellen Bruns in Madison, South Dakota. She grew up as the only daughter surrounded by four brothers: Ron, Gary, Bill, and Dan. Gloria graduated from General Beadle High School and continued her education at Dakota State College in Madison, South Dakota. While attending college, Gloria met Keith Gates and on December 28, 1963, she took his last name. Keith and Gloria just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

The couple moved to Pella, Iowa, where they began to build their family. They then moved to Clinton, Iowa, where Gloria worked at an optometric center and as an Avon sales representative. Keith and Gloria raised three children: Tim Gates, 45, Shelly Van Weelden, 42, and Angie Galliart, 39. After moving back to Pella in 1986, Gloria worked at Heritage Lace until her retirement in 2007.

Later in her life, Gloria's world revolved around her grandchildren: Staci Duinink, 25, Sabrina Van Weelden, 19, Karly Gates, 18, Jenna Galliart, 12 and Eddie Galliart, 8. She was also blessed with two great-grandchildren: Kassandra Duinink, 6, and Kaylie Rae Duinink, 3.

Gloria passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family and friends on the morning of March 22, 2014, after several years of health complications. Gloria will be missed by not only her family, but by the countless other people she has touched throughout her lifetime.

FUNERAL SERVICE

10:30 A.M, Thursday, March 27, 2014
First Baptist Church
Pella, Iowa

VISITATION

Beginning at Noon Wednesday, March 26, 2014
with family present 5:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Garden Chapel Funeral Home
Pella, Iowa

MEMORIALS

May be given to Gloria's Family

FAMILY

Husband: Keith Gates- Pella
Children: Tim Gates - Pella
Shelly and Vincent Van Weelden -- Moravia
Angie Galliart - Pella

INTERMENT

Oakwood Cemetery
Pella, Iowa

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