Gloria J. Springer, 80, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 25, 2026, surrounded by the people who loved her most. Born on May 8, 1946 in Waukegan, Illinois, Gloria was one of thirteen siblings, which perhaps explains how she became the kind of woman who could do just about anything, and make it look effortless. She was kind, funny, creative and generous, with a smile that stayed beautiful for all eighty years of her life. Gloria was a woman of quiet nature and few wasted words. She didn’t always need to speak her mind, because those who knew her well understood that a well timed side-eye or a perfectly executed eye roll said everything that needed to be said. She had a gift for communicating volumes without uttering a single syllable, and her family will miss that particular form of eloquence more than words can express. Gloria devoted eighteen years to working alongside her family on their farm, and spent many more years working in various factory positions. Where she wasalways showing up, always contributing, always giving more than she took. She found joy in simple things, such as the flash of a hummingbird at the feeder, a bag of Cheetos, and the quiet rhythm of crocheting something beautiful from scratch. She was, without question, one of the strongest women any of us will ever know.

Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Robert D. Springer; her son, Robert D. Springer Jr.; and her parents, and many siblings who went before her.

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley Peterson, of Springdale, Arkansas; son-in-law, Rodney Peterson of Springdale, Arkansas;  grandchildren, Charles R. Burnett, Andrew B. Peterson and his spouse Shaelene Peterson, Jeremy L. Peterson and his partner Keziah Devore; great grandchildren, Mattrim R. Peterson, Ora L. White, Preston Z. L. White; siblings; Edna Dubrow, Donald Woodward, Paul Woodward and Mary Randall, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Gloria leaves behind a family who loved her deeply, a legacy of quiet strength, and the kind of impression that doesn’t fade.

She was here. She mattered. She always will.