Gloria Jean Michels

Gloria Jean Maidlow-Michels was born on August 10, 1948, in Albion, Illinois, to Bill and Betty (Hutchcraft-Keener) Maidlow. She passed from this life to the next on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital.

Gloria met her husband, Larry Michels, through a mutual friend at Ridge Church in Grayville, Illinois, where they later married in October of 1985 a union anchored in faith and surrounded by those who loved them.

Gloria spent many years as a talented beautician, helping others feel confident and cared for, and later worked at Champion Laboratories, where she eventually retired. Her work reflected her pride in presentation and her gift for connecting with people-qualities that stayed with her throughout her life.

Gloria was a loving wife, devoted mother, and adoring grandmother whose heart beat strongest for her family-the center of her world and the joy of her every day. She had a special soft spot for Vinnie, her daughter's dog, who she loved like one of her own.

She found deep comfort in visiting faithful friends, sharing laughter, love, and life's simple moments with those she held dear. Her faith in God was steadfast, and her church was her second home. She looked forward to heaven with the quiet confidence of someone who truly believed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.

Generous in spirit, Gloria gave freely- her time, her wisdom, and her radiant smile. Her laugh was infectious, full of warmth and humor, the kind that filled a room and left you feeling lighter.

She sang beautifully-often and from the heart. Always put together with care, Gloria carried herself with grace and confidence. Her hair was always styled just right, her clothes thoughtfully chosen-she believed in showing up for life beautifully.

She was a thoughtful listener, a steady guide, and someone you could count on to truly hear you. She loved her garden, puzzles and a good game of Scrabble, -especially when she was winning. She played with wit, determination, and a gleam in her eye, never passing up the chance for a friendly (but fierce) victory.

She had a gift for making people feel special, always sending thoughtful cards for every occasion-birthdays, holidays, and even just because. It was one of the many ways she quietly said, "You matter to me."

Her life was a gift to those who knew her-rooted in love, lifted by faith, and lived with grace.

Gloria leaves behind her loving husband of nearly forty years, Larry, as well as her daughter, Melissa (Doug) Resetarits of Yulee, Florida; a son, Russell (Dianne) Golbricht of Carlinville, Illinois; and stepsons, Stephen Michels of Indiana, Brian (Cheryl) Michels of Gillette, Wyoming, and Eric (Melissa) Michels of Evansville, Indiana. Gloria is survived by her beloved grandchildren Stephanie, Alicia, Bryan, Anthony, Peter, Christian, Anthony, Joe, Emma and Dean. A brother, Billy (Linda) Maidlow of California, also survives. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Bobby Maidlow.

Funeral services for Gloria Michels will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at Nale's Funeral Home in Albion, Illinois, with visitation from noon until service time. Burial will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Ellery, Illinois.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.nalesfuneralhome.com. Nale's Funeral Home of Albion is honored to serve and support the family.