Gloria Mefferd

Gloria Jean Mefferd was born May 11, 1946, to Albert and Lila Christensen. She received her education in the Dow City school system graduating with the class of 1964.
Gloria led a life full of hard work and dedication. She never shirked a task - she knew the life and workings of meat packing houses, and factories. She never complained of the hard work, rather she was glad to be caring for her family and enjoyed the comradery of her co-workers. On her lighter side of working she enjoyed waitressing and being a cashier. Always greeting her customers with a warm smile and friendly hello. If you were lucky enough to be one of her regulars you need not say a word. Your order was placed as soon as you walked through the door.
Gloria was blessed with a life full of love. In 1973 she was united in marriage to Ralph Rhoades. They made their home in Council Bluffs, Iowa where they raised their family of four children and watched it grow with the addition of daughters-in-law and grandchildren. The family enjoyed weekend camping trips, and fishing together. They later moved to Dow City and settled on their quiet acreage. Here they remained together until Ralph’s passing.
In 1995, she gained another loving husband, Robert Mefferd, Sr. Together they have made a happy home in Arion, Iowa. They have enjoyed twenty-two wonderful years together, blending their two families into one. They have spent their retirement years playing cards, gardening and watching their family expand with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gloria passed away peacefully in her home on June 16, 2017 surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Ralph; one son Craig “Peanut”; one daughter Michelle; her father-in-law Walter Sr.; brothers-in-law Walter, Jr., Dan, Louie and Ray; and sisters-in-law Marilyn and Dianna. She is survived by her husband Robert; two sons Don (Peggy), Scott (Nicole); one daughter Shawn; daughter-in-law, Kris; two step-sons Robert (Sheri), Jr; Scott (Peggy); one step-daughter Deanna (Tony); 23 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; one brother Steve (Kathy); sisters-in-law Sharon (David); Shirley; brothers-in-law Les (Mary), Marvin, Ron; sisters-in-law JoAnn; Bernie; Linda; Marlene; many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.