Gloria Jean Spence, 63, of Lee's Summit, Mo., died suddenly July 4, at her home.

A celebration of her life will begin with a visitation at 10 a.m. Friday, July 7, at Langsford Funeral Home, 115 SW 3rd, Lee's Summit, MO 64064. The rosary will be said at 11 a.m., with a graveside service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Gloria and the family would prefer donations to the American Heart Association, 6800 W. 93rd, Overland Park, KS 66212.

Gloria Jean was born, June 19, 1943, in Colorado, but grew up in Sheridan, Wyoming. Gloria lived for her three children and that was evident by her always putting them first.

She spent 12 years at Park Lane Medical Center as an admitting clerk, where she enjoyed greeting, working and visiting with her patients.

She loved her grandchildren, music, dancing, reading and laughter that comes with enjoying time with loved ones. No matter how difficult things were for her, she always knew the correct thing to lift your spirits and touch you the way only a mother can. She is and always will be missed.

She is survived by her children, Terra and husband Chris Null, of Lee's Summit, Mo., Jack and wife Laura Spence, of Lee's Summit, Mo., Brett and wife Penny Spence, of Overland Park, Kan., and grandchildren Anthony, Gage, Brock, Notion, and Valerie, and cousins Karen and husband Tom Mullholland of Sheridan, Wyo., and Larry and wife Betty Aksamit of Casper, Wyo., and aunt Ann Aksamit, Sheridan, Wyo.

(Arr: Langsford Funeral Home, 816-524-3700)

Kansas City Star - July 6, 2006 .