Gloria M. Carothers, 98, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at 2:10 a.m. on October 2, 2024, at Allure of Knox County, Galesburg.
Gloria was born April 25, 1926, in St. David, Illinois, the daughter of Kathry A. (Shragal) and Joseph T. Shiner. After high school, Gloria attended and graduated from St. Francis School of Nursing in 1946. Shortly after she married Glenn O. Carothers on July 27, 1946, in Galesburg. They were blessed with almost 52 years of marriage, until Glenn’s passing on July 4, 1998.
Gloria is survived by three daughters, Mary (John) Simkins of New Windsor, Illinois, Annette (Michael) Johnson of Gilson, Illinois, and Anita Norris of Galesburg; two sons, Paul (Cathy) Carothers of Gainesville, Georgia and James “Jim” (Jean) Carothers of Galesburg; one sister, Nadene Rosenberg of Galesburg; 13 grandchildren; and many great and great great grandchildren. Gloria was preceded in death by her husband and parents; one daughter, Glennda Driffill; one son, Anthony; and her oldest granddaughter, Kristine Driffill Williams.
Gloria worked as an RN for over 35 years at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, spending many years as third shift supervisor, and the last 14 years as a surgical nurse. She retired in June of 1989. In February 1999, Gloria decided to return to the workforce, working at Wal-Mart as a greeter for 21 years, retiring in April 2020.
Gloria was a faithful member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society; and Lay Carmelites (Third Order). She was a long-time member of the Galesburg Lodge 880, Loyal Order of Moose, bowling on their team for over 30 years. In her free time, Gloria enjoyed knitting and crocheting, even learning how to repair clocks.
Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. The rosary will be prayed at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at Corpus Christi Catholic Church with the funeral mass immediately following. Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Galesburg. Memorial contributions may be directed in Gloria’s memory to the Knox County Humane Society. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
