Gloria M. Way

Gloria M. Way, 73, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Monday, July 23, 2012, at Lexington Regional Health Center in Lexington. Gloria had suffered a massive stroke on the 15th of July. She was born May 30, 1939, in Smithfield, Nebraska to Gerald “Ole” and Mabel (Anderson) Nelson. Gloria was a 1958 graduate of Lexington High School. She married her sweetheart, Raymond, on May 31, 1958, at Lexington. Four children were born to this marriage; Karen, J.R., Kevin and Kelly. Gloria spent 27 years as custodian at Morton Elementary School in Lexington. She absolutely loved all the kids at school and made life-long friends with all the teachers. She also had a shoe repair shop and spent some time at Pamida. Gloria was a warm, loving person who never missed a chance to spoil her grandchildren. After she retired, she cared for her great-grandchildren whenever she was needed. She never knew a stranger and everyone was always welcome in her home. She suffered a stroke in 2009, and spent 13 months in Elwood Care Center. She made many wonderful friends who still kept in touch. She worked hard and was able to return to her home in October of 2010. Gloria was a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend who loved being outside, racing, and being with her family. She attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington. Survivors include her children: Karen (James) Parker of Lexington, NE; J.R. Way of Lexington, NE; and Kelly (Curt) Kopf of Lexington, NE. Seven grandchildren: Suzanne (Paul) Doudney of Cozad, NE; Laura (Troy) Nielson of Silver Creek, NE; Amanda Kopf of Lexington, NE; Stephanie Parker of Lexington, NE; Megan Way of Lexington, NE; Brandon Kopf of Lexington, NE; and Tyler Parker of Lexington, NE. One brother: Richard (Alice) Anderson of Tulsa, OK One sister: Geraldine Vinzant of Bertrand, NE. Brother-in-law, Mac McClees of San Diego, CA; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Foster and Mildred Spuhler both of Lexington, NE. Five great-grandchildren: Zachary Kopf, William Doudney, Brandan Parker, Destiny Parker, Joseph Doudney and one on the way. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many, many friends. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond; son, Kevin Eugene; grandson, Steven Parker; sister, Ardith Tomes, and brother, Darrell Nelson. Funeral Services will be Friday, July 27, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor Rob Kuefner officiating. Burial will be in the Elwood Cemetery at Elwood, NE. Visitation will be held Thursday, July 26, 2012, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.