Gloria Belcher

Pratt – Gloria A. Belcher, daughter of Winfred and Elva (Brown) Beals, was born February 21st, 1930, in Marengo, Indiana. She passed away on May 1st, 2022, at Pratt Health and Rehab in Pratt, Kansas at the age of 92. Gloria attended country schools and graduated from English High School in English, Indiana. While in high school, she enjoyed working in the school’s district office. After graduation, Gloria moved to Greensburg, Kansas to live with her uncle and aunt, Lowell and Agnes Brown, and their family. She worked for Selective Service and remembered being there when the boys met the bus to head out. Gloria and Dean Belcher were married November 7th, 1949, in Tucumcari, New Mexico. Dean’s brother Lloyd and his wife Charlene were their witnesses. They were married for 66 years and celebrated several special anniversaries with family and friends. The couple were blessed with two daughters, Rita Jo and Robbie Kay. Gloria worked several jobs but is best remembered for her years of selling Avon. She was the favorite Avon Lady of many in Greensburg. Gloria also enjoyed donating her time volunteering at Care and Share in Greensburg. Gloria was a member of the First Christian Church in Greensburg and transferred her membership to the First Christian Church in Pratt. She was an active member in the church, serving as a Sunday and Bible School teacher. Gloria was also a member of the Christian’s Women Fellowship. Gloria was a member of the Jolly Stitchers, a group of women from her in-law’s country neighborhood, and the Extension Homemakers Unit. Another group Gloria was active in was the VFW Auxiliary, both in Greensburg and Pratt. After moving to Pratt, Gloria became a member of Pilot Club. When her girls were in 4-H, Gloria was a favorite cooking teacher among 4-H members and a Community Leader. Her home was always open to many through the years. She enjoyed doing handwork and crocheted many baby booties and afghans as gifts for others. Gloria took great pride in her flower garden. Many of her neighbors loved her homemade goodie trays that she would put together at Christmas time. In 2007, Dean and Gloria moved to Pratt after the devastating tornado struck Greensburg. Making the transition to a new community at their age wasn’t always easy, and they deeply appreciated their new neighbors’ support and kindness. In 2020, Gloria moved to Pratt Health and Rehab, and again appreciated the help and support of the staff. Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Ivan (Bud), her loving husband Dean, who passed away just before their 69th anniversary. Her mother-in-law (Ethel), father-in law (Guy), brother-in-law (Lloyd), sister-in-law (Charlene) and two sons-in-law, J Alan Winter and Randy Cole. Survivors include her two daughters, Rita Cole, Pratt, and Robbie Griffiths and son-in-law Scott of Long Island, KS. Two granddaughters, Amanda Mische (Chad) of Cheney, Becky Cagle (Brent) of Lawrence, grandson Henry Griffiths (Meredith) of Long Island. Great grandsons, Lucas Griffith, Clayton Mische, Garrett Mische, Kieren Cagle, and her newest great grandson, Oliver Griffiths. As well as many other family members and friends. Funeral services and celebration of Gloria’s life will be 10:30 am, Thursday, May 5, 2022, at the First Christian Church in Pratt with Pastor Carl Helm officiating. Interment will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday in Fairview Cemetery in Greensburg. A visitation will be held 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the First Christian Church, Pratt. Memorials are suggested to Pratt Health and Rehab, 1221 Larimer, Pratt, Kansas, in care of Fleener Funeral Home, PO Box 41, Greensburg, Kansas 67054.