Gloria Routt
August 03, 2010
Our beloved Mom, Grandmother and Great-Grandmother, Gloria E. Routt went home to be with her Lord in the early morning of August 3, 2010.
Gloria was a life-long resident of Des Moines, IA being born on July 19, 1924. She attended Warren Harding Junior High and then graduated from the old North High School in 1941.
Later she went to work at the Seven-Up plant where she met her husband to be, Elmer George Vitalis.
They were married in Manhatten, KS on December 16, 1944.
To this union were born twin daughters, Sherry Marie and Susan Ann on October 16, 1945. Sherry and her husband Michael reside in Chesterfield, MO. Susan and her husband, Jon reside in Council Bluffs, IA.
Elmer and Gloria always shared a love for animals.
From 1954-1966 Gloria was employed at Cascade Laundry and Dry Cleaners as head of the service department.
Later in life, Gloria remarried, but remained a widow for a number of years.
Her love and care for animals characterized her for life.
A favorite childhood hymn of Gloria’s was “What a Friend We Have in Jesus” and her favorite Bible Scripture was from Proverbs 3:5-6, which reads, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding, in all Thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”
Gloria will be sorely missed by all those whose lives she touched, her family, friends, and neighbors.
Gloria was preceded in death by her dear parents, Raymond and Viola Cox and her beloved granddaughter, Jessica Mae Blair.
In addition to her two daughters, Gloria is survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Wanda Nystrom
09/05/2010
I came to work for Gloria in January of 2009. Sean called me and asked if I knew of anyone who wanted a job helping Gloria with personal care and caring for her animals. I accepted. So now I had myself a job at "GLORIA'S CATHOUSE".
Gloria and I bonded immediately. Our common link was for all animals and their well being. We called them our "Stray Babies." Gloria had this thing about the name "Davie." She loved that name. Most of the strays that came our way she named them Davie. Only when one particular stray came along I beat her to the punch and I named him "Crybaby." Sorry Gloria. If she would have had her way she would have named him "Davie".
Often times I went to DR. Alex's office with her and when coming home we would stop at Burger King and get cheeseburgers and fries and would park in the lot to eat. We usually ate about half of our lunch and the rest was bird food. She didn't fool me. She wasn't all that hungry, the birds were.
I liked teasing Gloria and often times I would even call her names. (Pet Names). I called her Grandma Gloria or MS. Routt. Her favorite was when I would refer to her as "Young Woman." and she would say I feel young even if I am 85 years old.
I know the first job GOD assigned to Gloria was to take care of the animals. Make sure the bird feeder is full and the deer have plenty of corn, and take care of all the stray babies that was sent on before her.
Gloria was the most amazing, kind spirited, fiesty young woman I have ever met. I want to say thank you Gloria for everything you brought to my life and for being my friend. I will always cherish the memories that I have of you. I love and miss you.
HOW DO YOU LIVE YOUR DASH
I read of a pastor who stood to speak
at the funeral of his friend.
He referred to the dates on her tombstone
from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth,
and spoke of the second date with tears,
but he said what mattered most of all
was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time
that she spent alive on earth,
and now only those who loved her
know what that dash is worth.
For it matters not how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash.
What matters most is how we live,
and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard,
are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know what time is left;
you could be at "dash, mid-range."
If we could just slow down enough,
to see what's true and real,
and always try to understand
the way that others feel.
And be less quick to anger,
and show appreciation more,
and love the people in our lives
like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
and more often wear a smile,
keeping in mind this special dash
might last but a little while.
So when your eulogy's being read,
Your life's actions to rehash,
Would you smile at the things being said
about you spent your dash?
Sean & Lori
09/01/2010
We love you and miss you Grandma!!!