Gloria Joan Anderson

Surrounded by loving family at home, Gloria Joan (McKee) Anderson was reunited with her loving husband, Wayne, in Heaven January 17, 2026. Funeral services will be held at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Urbandale at 11:00 AM on Friday, January 23, 2026, with visitation starting at 9:30 AM. Following services there will be a luncheon at the church and burial at McDivitt Grove Cemetery.

Gloria was born to Vernon and Marjorie McKee, January 18,1937 at Greater Community Hospital, in Creston, Iowa. She and her older sister grew up on a farm seven miles north of Prescott, Iowa. Her education began at a country school, and she finished at Prescott High School. As a serious student, Gloria excelled in her studies and she enjoyed six-on-six basketball.

Gloria married Gene Van Vleet in 1955, and the couple moved to Des Moines. Four children were born to this union: Janice, Jean, Kirk, and Kristi. Gloria and Gene later divorced.

When her children were older, Gloria attended Des Moines Area Community College to fulfill her dream of becoming a nurse. For ten years, she cared for Oncology patients at Mercy Hospital and later joined the Mercy Radiation Therapy team as an office nurse until she retired in 1988.

Gloria married Wayne Anderson in 1979, and they celebrated 41 wonderful years together. As an adventurer, Wayne convinced Gloria that camping was fun. They gradually moved from a modest pop-up to a fifth wheel with all the amenities and enjoyed many trips to Colorado, and numerous other states. When each grandchild became 12 years old, he or she could choose a place to go camping within a reasonable distance. Lots of special memories were made during these trips. With all the travel, though, Gloria most enjoyed camping at Saylorville Lake during the quiet part of the week.

Always on the go, Gloria and Wayne loved time at their townhome in Arkansas and enjoyed several overseas trips. They were season ticket holders to Drake Men's basketball games. Gloria loved sports of all kinds-which was a good thing with so many active grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Never wanting much down time, Gloria always had projects: gardening, sewing, crafting needlework, refinishing woodwork, painting walls, or the house. She loved having holiday dinners with the family and welcomed extended family and friends. As the ultimate hostess, she baked and planned for weeks ahead of gatherings. She never missed sending a birthday, anniversary, holiday card or thank you note. (Wayne joked they should buy stock in greeting card companies).

Born to serve, Gloria volunteered everywhere she lived- especially in the Urbandale community: Aldersgate Church, Historic House, Booster Club, ChildServe and Mercy Hospice. She provided companionship to shut-ins, and food and comfort to those who suffered loss. Gloria was always ready to help and kept a lengthy prayer list.

She took care of Wayne at home until he passed in 2020. Other family preceding her in death: Parents, Vernon and Marjorie; in-laws, Albert and Mary Anderson, and two granddaughters, Nikole and Brandi Baker.

Gloria (Mom, Grandma, and GG) was a humble, faithful, gentle, and loving person to the end. Her family appreciates every prayer, visit, card, phone call, and kind gesture.

Gloria is survived by her children: Jan (Marvin) Rychnovsky, Jean Ingersoll (Randy), Kirk (Patty) Van Vleet, Kris (Jeff) DuBay; her stepchildren, Kathy Hayes, Kevin (Vicky Lee) Anderson, and Karen Baker (Jesse); fourteen grandchildren, two step grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister, Marilyn (James) Rychnovsky of Prescott, Iowa and sister-in-law Carolyn Anderson of Toledo, Iowa; special McKee cousins; nephew, Marty Anderson, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Online condolences are welcome at www.IlesCares.com. Arrangements by Iles Westover Chapel.