Gloria Ann Anderson

Gloria Anderson passed away surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 11, 2018. She was born on January 12, 1947 in Rock Springs, Wyoming to Ren and Norma Nelson. Gloria was the eldest child and adored her brother Gail and sister Lorraine. They affectionately called her “Sis”. Gloria moved to Salt Lake City where she graduated from LDS Business College. A young man who visited at her apartment wrote in his notebook the names of all the students there. Later she saw him looking up her name. She said, “My name is Gloria Nelson, and don’t you forget it.” Together they attended church and political meetings. Later when he asked her to marry, she declined because he was too short. She must have changed her mind because Byron and Gloria were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 16, 1966. Gloria has had a wonderful life, but it hasn’t been without trials. The day before their wedding, Byron received a draft notice in the mail. He served two years in the army. They moved back east so that Byron could receive infantry training in New Jersey and officer training in Virginia. Gloria had her first child in an army hospital in Fort Lee, Virginia. Byron went off to Vietnam and Gloria was left to take care of the baby. It was hard for her to have him so far away for so long. In fact, her whole life she had a hard time if he was away for more than a day at a time. One of Gloria’s other trials has been that of poor health. She bore her trial well, but it was frustrating for her. There were so many things that she wasn’t able to do in the last few years because of her health problems. Gloria always kept busy loving and serving others. She served in many capacities in her church group and especially enjoyed serving in Relief Society presidencies, Primary presidencies and her wonderful time in the nursery…she really loved those children. Gloria also served in the PTA. For many years she helped to organize the neighborhood Fourth of July breakfast and the National Night Out Against Crime. Gloria worked at Granite School District in their Testing Department. Most recently, she worked alongside her husband Byron and son Andy selling their honey at the Murray Farmer’s Market. For many years she has spent her Saturdays during the Fall season bringing sweet honey to the people of Utah. Gloria loved her dog Charlie. She was a very talented cook, baker and cake decorator. She would often make birthday cakes for people in her neighborhood. She was also sought after as a wedding cake decorator and enjoyed doing that. Gloria enjoyed toll painting, but most of all she enjoyed her grandchildren. She made blessing gowns for her granddaughters that are a treasure. Gloria had many friends. She also leaves quite a few of us family members behind. She is survived by her husband Byron C. Anderson, children Ann (Bradley) Throckmorton, Byron “Andy” Anderson, Ruth (Mark) Pistorius, Joe (Julie) Anderson and Sara (Armand) Leach. She had a way of making each grandchild feel like they were her favorite. She leaves behind her grandchildren Valesca (Robert) Wall, Joshua (Rachel) Throckmorton, Noah Throckmorton, Elijah Throckmorton, Sydnie (Brandon) Clark, Alex Pistorius, Taryn Pistorius, Skyler (Lucia) Anderson, Kaylee (Thomas) Pugh, Mariah Anderson, Cayden Anderson, Kasja Leach, Cambria Leach and Haven Leach. Her Brother Gail (Jan) Nelson and sister Lorraine Muniz will also miss her. A viewing will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2018 from 6-8:00 pm at the Jordan North 1st Ward located at 3900 South 4000 West in West Valley City, Utah. The funeral will be held on Monday, July 16th at 10:00 am at the same location, with a viewing for one hour prior. Gloria left a lasting legacy of teaching others the importance of family, faith, service and love. She definitely made the world a better place and had a positive impact in the lives of all who knew her. Her smile was contagious and you never left her presence without a hug and knowing that she loved you. She has left us for a time, but we are comforted in knowing that we will see her again and that now with her body no longer holding her back, she is able to once again walk, run and dance.

Gloria Ann Anderson

January 12, 1947 - July 11, 2018