Gloria Howell Spicer

1926 - 2025

On Saturday, Sept. 7, 2025, Gloria Howell Spicer passed away at 9:34 p.m. at St. Rita's Mercy Hospital in Lima, Ohio following a short illness. Gloria was born on May 16, 1926, to Adrian (Hap) and Grace Howell. She was 99 years old.
She met Richard Spicer one day before he left for active duty in Germany during World War II.  He was a prisoner of war held by the Germans. Upon his release and return home, Gloria and Dick were married Feb. 10, 1946.
Gloria is survived by her son Rick Spicer.  She is also survived by her sister Marilyn (Luke) Gibbens of St. Marys.  She is also survived by nieces Deb (Dennis) Stienecker and Lisa (John) Barnes and nephews Rick (Linda) Haines, Chuck (Kris) Owens, Mike (Angie) Owens and Todd (Susie) Spicer. Her closest and dearest friend was Ann Kite.
Gloria graduated from Memorial High School in 1944. As a young girl she helped with her father's fruit, vegetable and fish stand. After marrying Dick she worked at the Woolen Mill.  She and Dick owned several restaurants including Mom and Pop's and later Hans and Fritz. Being very business minded, she opened a children's clothing store and many years later opened The Bridal Shoppe. Gloria also obtained her real estate license and worked along side Dick.
She was a member of the Soroptimist. She grew up and was an active member of Wayne Street United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school for many years.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, husband Richard, sister Emily (Paul) Leonhard, sister Donna (Dick) Haines, brother-in-law Charles Owens, brother Ronald (Judy) Howell, nephews Paul Leonhard Jr. and Randy Howell, nieces Vicki Leonhard Market and Lori Howell, and great-nephew Christian Leonhard.
Gloria loved her family. On July 27, we had a family reunion with 70 family members attending. She enjoyed playing cards with her many friends, travelling and Friday lunches at Varsity Lanes.
Family and friends may call Friday, Sept. 12 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Miller Funeral Home at 1605 Celina Road, St. Marys, Ohio.
Funeral rites will be on Saturday, Sept. 13 at 11 a.m. at Wayne Street Church, 130 N. Wayne St., St. Marys, Ohio, with viewing one hour prior.
Burial will follow at Elm Grove Cemetery in St. Marys.
Donations in Gloria's name may be made to Grand Lake Hospice or St. Jude’s.
Condolences may be expressed to her family via: www.millerfuneralhomes@gmail.com.