Gloria Hurst

Webster defines sacrifice as a giving up of something valuable or important for somebody or something else considered to be of more value or importance. Gloria Hurst exemplified this simple yet daunting act to perfection. She was always setting aside her own needs for the needs of others and only later in her life, did she finally have others doting over her. Gloria was an independent woman of great strength who worked hard throughout much of her life, yet was also able to find the beauty along the way. It was easy to see that the sun rose and set with her grandchildren, and it will be this young generation who will carry on her great legacy one day. The year 1941 is usually remembered as the year in which America responded to the vicious attack on Pearl Harbor by declaring war on December 8th. It would be nearly four years before the majority our remaining troops would be able to return home after the end of WWII. It was during this same year that in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Bert and Alma (Radicoph) Baker were rejoicing in the birth of their daughter, Gloria Jean, on April 7th. Gloria was the youngest of seven children in her family joining older siblings Bert, Floyd, Paul, Grace, James, and David. Glorias father was a minister while her mother was a homemaker who cared for their active family. The Baker family was a close-knit group, and Gloria was especially close to her sister Grace since together, they were outnumbered by boys. Gloria and her siblings often played kickball with the neighborhood kids, and she also enjoyed playing the violin and piano. Since Gloria was raised in a religious family, she was very active in their church from an early age. As the baby of the family, she often got to go places with her brothers and sister whether it was to drive-ins, Bible studies, or out for 25-cent hamburgers. For her education, Gloria attended local schools in Grand Rapids. Life could not have been any better for Gloria than when she was blessed to become a mother to three wonderful children: Roxanna, Ronda, and Ronald. Life was certainly challenging as a single mother, but she always made sure her children had what they needed, often going without herself. Gloria worked hard as a waitress at both the Yellow Jacket and the Dutch Oven in Grand Rapids among other restaurants as well. Or great significance was a special friendship Gloria shared with a handsome man who would forever change the course of her life. His name was Fletcher Hurst, and they met while bowling. The two became fast friends and over time, their friendship blossomed into true love. They were eventually united in marriage on June 10, 1988. For the first time in her life, Gloria was now on the receiving end of sacrificial love. When she was able to take advantage of free time, there were a number of interests that Gloria enjoyed. She loved camping, especially at P.J. Hoffmaster State Park. Gloria was into crafts of all kinds including sewing, crocheting, quilting, and making bunnies for her grandchildren. She even made clothes for the bunnies so that her grandchildren could change their clothes. Gloria also had fun bowling, fishing, gardening, and canning. It goes without saying, however, that her favorite way to spend her time was spoiling her grandchildren. Gloria shared many of her interests with them such as camping and fishing, and she also taught them how to play games like cribbage and Scrabble. It didnt really matter to Gloria what she was doing with her grandchildren either, just as long as they were together. She was a bit of a softie when it came to this younger generation as her seven grandchildren always knew they could go to grandma and her answer would be a resounding yes. Family was always of the utmost importance to Gloria. Every Sunday after church Gloria could be found in her kitchen preparing a mouth-watering meal for her family to enjoy, and they all certainly looked forward to this time together. She also made holidays such special times by taking care of every last detail. Gloria was even known to plan for special occasions for days ahead of time. Always willing to give of herself to others, Gloria Hurst was an extraordinary woman whose heart was as endless as the ocean is blue. In fact, she never gave even one selfless act a second thought. Gloria could be stubborn when it came to matters she felt passionate about, and was never afraid to stand up for what she believed in. As her family gathered around her near the end of her life, they treasured each and every moment they had to share with their beloved sister, mother and grandmother. Gloria will be dearly missed while her spirit of tenderness and unconditional love will live on in the hearts and lives of those she leaves behind. Gloria Hurst died Wednesday, January 13, 2010. Glorias family includes her three children, Roxanna (Wayne) Yager, Ronda D'Oyly, both of Grand Haven, and Ronald (Robin) Holliday of Morley; grandchildren, Amber D'Oyly, Heather D'Oyly, Autumn Holliday,Hayley Holliday, Natalie Holliday, Isaiah Yager, Micah Yager; sister, Grace DeKorver of Jenison; brother, Rev. Floyd (Irene) Baker of IN, David (Nora) Baker of AK; sister-in-law, Trudy Baker of Grand Rapids; brother-in-law, Donald (Barb) Hurst of White Cloud; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fletcher on January 6, 2010; parents; 3 brothers, Paul, James, Bert Baker. Services will be held on Monday, January 18, 2010, 12:00 p.m. at Hope Reformed Church of Grand Haven with Pastor Tim Taylor officiating. Visit with Glorias family and friends on Monday, 1 hour prior to the service at Hope Reformed Church of Grand Haven. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to Hope Reformed Church.