Gloria Qualls
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Gloria Ilene Qualls, 78, Independence, Missouri passed away January 30, 2017. A graveside service will be held 9:45 AM, Saturday, February 4th, 2017 at Mound Grove Cemetery, Independence, Missouri. Memorial services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, February 4th, 2017 at Stone Church Community of Christ. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Stone Church Community of Christ, 1012 W Lexington Ave, Independence, MO 64050
Gloria was born March 14, 1938 in Independence, Missouri. She was married to Duane on June 29, 1958. Gloria lived her whole life in Independence where she attended Bryant Elementary and William Chrisman Junior High and Senior High. She graduated in 1956 and received her Associates Degree from Graceland College in 1958.
Music was a life long love for Gloria. She sang in the Independence Messiah Choir for many years including a performance at Carnegie Hall in November of 2000. Gloria also sang with Cantanina Chorus women’s choir at Stone Church. Gloria and her husband Duane were youth leaders at Kentucky Hills Congregation in the early years of their marriage. At Stone Church, she was involved in Sunday School class, girl’s youth groups and the choir. Many of her fond memories at Stone Church included her relationships with her friends from her Sunday School group.
For many years, Gloria was the Registrar for the Arts, Sports and Leadership Spectacular, a youth camp that was held yearly at Graceland College. She worked at the Independence Sanitarium and Hospital as well as Independence Regional Health Center for more than 35 years. Gloria worked in several secretarial and administrative roles at the hospital.
She was preceded in death by; parents, S. Paul Carpender & Naomi (Williams) Carpender; Survivors include; husband of 58 years, Duane Qualls, Independence, Missouri; daughter, Lisa Qualls, Kansas City, Missouri; daughter and son-in-law, Julie & Todd Bickel, Overland Park, Kansas; son, Scott Qualls, Independence, Missouri; sister & brother-in-law, Elaine & Phil Mallory, Independence, Missouri; grandchildren, Taylor Bickel, Christopher Qualls, Nicholas Qualls and Anna Qualls. She also leaves many extended family members who were dear to her.
The most important thing in her life was her family including; her husband, children, grandchildren, sister and extended family. She will be remembered for her love of bringing the entire family together. The family would like to share a special thank you to Rosewood Health Center at The Groves, where many special people loved and cared for her. The family is grateful for One Community Hospice for the care they provided.
To all of Gloria’s family….Our family would like to say how sorry we are for your loss. You will miss your loved one very much yet we have always admired the care and devotion that has been exteded to Gloria as well of our observance of how much she loved all of you! The world has been a better place because of Gloria being in it. May God Bless each and everyone of you as you reflect on the precious moments of your lives together!
Duane, and all of your family, Paul and I are so sorry for your loss of Gloria. Gloria and I grew up together as my parents and her parents were very close friends even before we were born–both of us born at the old Independence Hospital. She will always be in my thoughts and memories for so many decades.
You will always have so many wonderful and treasured memories of your lives with Gloria as wife, mother, and friend to so very many people.
We send our prayers to all, Marilyn (Tandy) and Paul Schilling.
Dear Lisa and to all your family, I am so very sorry for your loss . All of you are in my heart , thoughts and prayers .
For many years after we met in seventh grade, Gloria and I were best friends and we went through those rough adolescent years together. I was her maid of honor and 2 months later, she was my matron of honor. I enjoyed seeing her at reunions and running into her after our lives interfered with the closeness we once had. Gloria was a wonderful girl and woman and I spent many hours with the Carpenter family. We even went on vacations with each other. Her later years broke my heart, but she bore them with kindess and dignity. I miss her. She is in our thoughts and our prayers go to her family. At last, she is at peace.
Dear Duane and family, We know it’s difficult saying farewell to your beautiful mate and life’s companion. Gloria’s musical talent has been enjoyed by many of us throughout the years, and now it will be continued and appreciated by those in heaven with whom she’ll be greeted. Her father was our group Elder at Stone Church, and spent many prayer service evenings in our home on West Lexington. Duane has been a faithful husband who attended to her every need when she could no longer do so. “Don’t grieve because Gloria’s gone, but smile because she was here.” God’s blessings to each of you, her loving family. David and Joan Toomey-Bland
Duane and Family,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand and bring you peace and healing through this difficult time.
Know the love and care given to Gloria will find it’s way back to you in the love, care, of prayers of your family and friends.
Blessings to all of you.
Kara Johnson
Dear Duane and family. I am saddened to learn of Gloria’s passing. She was a good friend and I have fond memories of our times together in high school and Graceland. Distance of miles kept us apart after leaving college, but I was always happy to see her at get-togethers upon returning to Independence for visits. I remember singing with her in HS choir and in the trio that we did along with Donna Lou. I know it is difficult to lose your spouse and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Myrna (McClaran) Reynolds
Duane. My sincerest sympathy on the loss of Gloria, My thoughts and prayers will be with all the family.
Very sorry about Gloria’s passing. She and Duane have been friends for more than 50 years.
To my beloved extended family,
I am so grateful to have known Gloria. She had a radiant heart and a loving and caring disposition that will always be remembered and appreciated. I fondly remember our family dinners and gatherings which brought us all together and created memories and connections that are enduring. My prayers are with each of you, and with Gloria as she journeys Home.
My prayers are with you during this difficult time.
I’m remembering playing with Gloria at Carpenter’s house when we were children, Sunday school at Stone Church, our families friendship and their music sharing, and then she and Duane at Graceland. My thoughts and prayers have been with you over the years and especially now. You’ve done so well Duane. Love and prayers, Gail Woodstock.
Scott, Duane, Julie and Lisa:
I have many memories of Gloria from my early years. The most vivid are of she and Duane hauling Scott and me to Spec to cycle Graceland’s sidewalks well before we were “of official Spec age.”
Gloria, a true optimist, had a real and lasting impact on my life. I am grateful for the many blessings she imparted and will remember each of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Matt