Our family is heartbroken to share that Gloria Francis, a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2026, at the age of 77.

Born in St. Louis, Gloria was the oldest child of Joseph and Betty Poelker. She was a hairdresser by trade and spent nearly 60 years helping people to look and feel their best, but her talents did not stop with her work. She was an avid gardener, a fantastic cook, was naturally gifted in arts and crafts, loved making things with her hands, and enjoyed making her home beautiful. Gloria was also a lifelong animal lover who always cherished her pets, especially her dogs.

Gloria is survived by her daughters Sarah (James) and Rebecca; her beloved grandchildren, Joshua, Evelyn, and Miriam; and her birth daughter, Martha, whose life is a testament to the selfless decision Gloria made at a young age. She is also survived by her brother, Joe, and her sister, Peggy. She was preceded in death by her brother Mark, and by her husband, Michael, with whom she is now reunited.