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BORN
1950
DIED
2025
Gloria Yuncker Obituary
Gloria Yuncker
September 29, 1950 - November 23, 2025
Gloria Yuncker, 75, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025. She was born on September 29, 1950, in Rock Island, Illinois, to John and Cora Vallejo.
Gloria graduated from Alleman High School and built a diverse and dedicated career. She worked many years for Illinois Bell before becoming the Director of Telecommunications for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois.
Gloria was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She was also a woman of strength, intelligence, and determination, always using her gifts to care for her parents, spouse, siblings, and the family she cherished.
Gloria was a spirited cheerleader when it came to her family, the Cubbies, the Bears, the Bulls, and the Hawkeyes. Even at grade school basketball games, she was there in the stands, cheering loudly and proudly, no matter how lopsided the score.
Gloria was a "big sister," smart, strong, and kind. She turned caring for her younger siblings into a musical adventure, introducing them to Beatles' songs they would never forget. She was also a guardian angel to them, showing her love in countless ways, even providing a shirt for a sibling attending a wedding.
Gloria had a generous spirit and gave her time freely to causes close to her heart. She volunteered for many years with The Special Olympics, making a lasting impact on the lives of athletes and their families. She also volunteered at summer camps for children with serious health conditions, including many who were terminal, offering compassion and support even in the most difficult circumstances.
In her free time, Gloria enjoyed trips to the casino and taking cruises with her husband, Jim,--"adventures", where she always found excitement and fun. But what those who knew her well remember most was her warmth. With every smile and hug, Gloria made those around her feel genuinely loved. Gloria will always be remembered for her warmth, her loyalty, her strength, and her deep devotion to the people she loved.
A life well lived, full of love and kindness, Gloria will be forever treasured in the hearts of her family and friends."
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Peter Pacha, Jr.; her sister, Victoria (Vallejo) Cortez; and sister-in-law, Mercedes Vallejo.
Gloria is survived by her husband, James A. Yuncker; her children, Michelle (John) Eagan and James (Sara) Pacha; her siblings, Angelina (Edd) Welsh, Jr., Richard (Patricia) Vallejo, Thomas (Eileen) Vallejo, Rosemarie (Daniel) Sedillo, Michael (Cynthia) Vallejo, Daniel (Denise) Vallejo, David Vallejo; and brother-in-law, Fermin Cortez. Gloria is also survived by her grandchildren, Gage (Savannah) Pacha, Jordan Pacha, Zachary (Michelle) Cline; and three great-grandchildren, Phoenix and Sedona Pacha and Lucy Cline.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hattiesburg, MS on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 10:00 am CST. The Mass will be livestreamed at http://stthomas-usm.org. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be at a later date in Gloria's hometown of Rock Island, IL.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in Gloria's name.
September 29, 1950 - November 23, 2025
Gloria Yuncker, 75, of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025. She was born on September 29, 1950, in Rock Island, Illinois, to John and Cora Vallejo.
Gloria graduated from Alleman High School and built a diverse and dedicated career. She worked many years for Illinois Bell before becoming the Director of Telecommunications for Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, Illinois.
Gloria was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She was also a woman of strength, intelligence, and determination, always using her gifts to care for her parents, spouse, siblings, and the family she cherished.
Gloria was a spirited cheerleader when it came to her family, the Cubbies, the Bears, the Bulls, and the Hawkeyes. Even at grade school basketball games, she was there in the stands, cheering loudly and proudly, no matter how lopsided the score.
Gloria was a "big sister," smart, strong, and kind. She turned caring for her younger siblings into a musical adventure, introducing them to Beatles' songs they would never forget. She was also a guardian angel to them, showing her love in countless ways, even providing a shirt for a sibling attending a wedding.
Gloria had a generous spirit and gave her time freely to causes close to her heart. She volunteered for many years with The Special Olympics, making a lasting impact on the lives of athletes and their families. She also volunteered at summer camps for children with serious health conditions, including many who were terminal, offering compassion and support even in the most difficult circumstances.
In her free time, Gloria enjoyed trips to the casino and taking cruises with her husband, Jim,--"adventures", where she always found excitement and fun. But what those who knew her well remember most was her warmth. With every smile and hug, Gloria made those around her feel genuinely loved. Gloria will always be remembered for her warmth, her loyalty, her strength, and her deep devotion to the people she loved.
A life well lived, full of love and kindness, Gloria will be forever treasured in the hearts of her family and friends."
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Peter Pacha, Jr.; her sister, Victoria (Vallejo) Cortez; and sister-in-law, Mercedes Vallejo.
Gloria is survived by her husband, James A. Yuncker; her children, Michelle (John) Eagan and James (Sara) Pacha; her siblings, Angelina (Edd) Welsh, Jr., Richard (Patricia) Vallejo, Thomas (Eileen) Vallejo, Rosemarie (Daniel) Sedillo, Michael (Cynthia) Vallejo, Daniel (Denise) Vallejo, David Vallejo; and brother-in-law, Fermin Cortez. Gloria is also survived by her grandchildren, Gage (Savannah) Pacha, Jordan Pacha, Zachary (Michelle) Cline; and three great-grandchildren, Phoenix and Sedona Pacha and Lucy Cline.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in Hattiesburg, MS on Thursday, December 11, 2025 at 10:00 am CST. The Mass will be livestreamed at http://stthomas-usm.org. Cremation has taken place and inurnment will be at a later date in Gloria's hometown of Rock Island, IL.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity in Gloria's name.
Published by The Rock Island Dispatch Argus on Dec. 5, 2025.
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