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Gloria E. Sanders, 82, of Alta died Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024 at Methodist Manor Retirement Community in Storm Lake. Memorial services will take place Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Alta. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alta Parks and Recreation Board.
Gloria was born Dec. 11, 1941 in Spencer, the daughter of Darold and Ardes Remillard.
Jim noticed Gloria while diving off the high diving board while swimming. Their first date was at the roller skating rink and from there the adventure began. Six months later, Gloria was united in marriage to James T. Sanders on Dec. 9, 1958 in Storm Lake. To this union two children were born, David James and Lori Anne.
Gloria and Jim made their home in Storm Lake. In 1980, they purchased an acreage north of Storm Lake where they built a greyhound racing track and trained greyhounds to race. They owned several successful racing greyhounds, Michael J Fox being one of their most successful along with Melissa Gilbert. In 1995 they moved to Thor, where Jim accepted a position with Chantland Mfg. They resided on an acreage north of Thor that had a vintage barn that they converted to "Evergreen Acres" antiques, which was ran by Gloria. In 2009, Jim retired and they moved to Alta, where they have remained to this day.
Gloria served on the Board of Utilities in Alta. She was the first woman ever elected to the Board of Directors of the National Greyhound Association. Gloria also served “Greyhound Pets of America,” where she was responsible for providing people with information on where to locate retired greyhounds to be adopted. Along with the Alta City Council & Park Board, Gloria played an integral role in bringing National Night Out to the city of Alta.
Gloria had a love for animals, especially cats. She leaves behind her dearly beloved Miss Kitty. Each week, Gloria looked forward to trips to the Wild Rose Casino in Emmetsburg. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Left to cherish Gloria’s memory include her husband James T. Sanders of Alta; children: David (Kelli) Sanders of Alta; Lori Flurey and John Grosvenor of Spirit Lake; sister Roxanne Elder of Houma, La.; grandchildren: Mandi (Troy) Gaes, Dusty (Angie) Sanders, Emily (Jon) Christensen, Nicole (Shane) Little and A.J. (Calli) Flurey; great-grandchildren: Jaydn Smith, Tristyn (Kris) Hamilton, Nico Christensen, Nova Christensen, Austin Little, Destiny Little, Emery Little, Holden McClintok, Huxley Flurey, Hank Flurey, Nicholas Gaes, Tyler Sanders, Melanie Gaes, Quinten Sanders, Dylan Sanders and Sunshine Baraibar-Thompson; great-great grandchild Pierce Hamilton; extended family and friends.
