Gloria Maxine Lewis

At age 97, Passed away Peacefully, on early Saturday morning, November 16th, 2019 in Colorado Springs, CO. Gloria was born in Bradford Pennsylvania on October 21, 1922, to her Mother Agatha Marie Irish -Warfield and her Father Howard Josiah Warfield. Gloria had countless friends and was loved by all, she was a sweet loving and loyal Friend, Sister, Mother, Aunt, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. She loved music and parties and loved to dance. She was very active in her community of Salton Sea Beach California, where she was in several Dune Buggy clubs, was part of a dance troop called the “The Golden Girls” She was Mrs. Santa Claus for the Salton Sea Beach Christmas Parade for over 20 years. She retired in the early 1980s from North American Rockwell, where she was a Project Staff Engineer working on the Apollo Programs for NASA. Before that, she worked at the Douglas Aircraft Company in the early 1960s. Gloria's first husband was Fred Ross she married him back in Bradford PA. in 1941, they had four children together. Richard D. Ross their oldest son born in 1942, then fourteen years later their daughter Debra K. Ross in 1956. Another daughter Susan D. Ross in 1958. Then after moving to Long Beach, California with Fred's sister Madelyn and brother in law Clint Woodard, they had their fourth child a son Ronald R. Ross. Fred died in an Auto Accident in 1966. Gloria re-married in 1968 to Bill Newman. Bill died in1973. Gloria then found and married the love of her life in 1975, Teddy Lewis, they had a wonderfully happy life together she was happier than she had ever been. They went camping and fishing at the Salton Sea and had a piece of property with a trailer on it, along with their many friends. They spent almost every weekend there and traveling to other places having a great time with their friends. In about 1983 Ted was diagnosed with Cancer and died in November of 1984, it was tragic for her, she said then she'd never marry again. She did not! She continued to stay busy and retired down at the Salton Sea, working part-time to stay busy at Mike's Tackle Box and market also tending bar, she worked at several other watering holes in the valley. Helen's place, Tiki's, The Salty Seagull, Captain Jim's, Lyon's Den, The Salton Sea Marina, Holly Mae’s & Walter's, The VFW was her last job in the Valley she worked until she was 93. Gloria was the second born of her siblings and was the last to go meet Jesus. Her Sister Margie died first in the early '80s then her sister Marilyn “Tootie” in the late '80s. She then lost her number one son Dicky, and then her Brother Howard J. Warfield 2005. She would never be the same after that, the loss of her son and baby brother was devastating for her, she became more guarded with heart and feelings. She Loved all her Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren very much! Donnie, Tonya, Melissa, Billy, and Amber are her Grandchildren. Then the most special to her “Great Grandchildren” is Ashlee, DJ-Don Jr. Richie, Caden, Katelyn & Kaiya Maxine, her namesake. Also Loved her in-laws of her Children and Grandchildren, and all those who called her Mom & Grandma not related. Gloria loved her many nieces and nephews in California and back east, and talked about her younger years in the hills of Pennsylvania often, she missed her family back there but couldn't deal with the snow or humidity of the summer, too spoiled by the perfect California weather. Gloria chose cremation to have her ashes scattered to the wind, she didn't want anyone to see her when she was dead. She didn't want to be buried in the ground and didn't want a sad place for her family to go when they missed her. She was thoughtful in that way, and in many other ways too. She was accepting of others' shortcomings, never spoke badly of anyone. She was a little Jokester & very funny. She enjoyed her friends and serving others, she would help you wherever she could always willing to lend a hand or listen to your problems, she was very generous and kind. We will all, our family and her friends miss her very much! But, to her family and friends who preceded her in death, are all very happy to see her again! She can serve the Lord his Wine now, and they can finally get the party started!