Gloria Jean Smith

Gloria Jean Smith of Bloomington, Indiana passed away on April 13, 2020 at the age of 88. Gloria was born in Greensburg, Indiana on May 12, 1931 to Mary Lee and Darrell Rhodes. Her younger years were marked by wartime which included living with rationing, keeping a Victory Garden and collecting dimes to take to school to support the war effort. She remembers that time as one where people pulled together to support each other and to watch out for those who needed help. Gloria attended Greensburg High School where she played piano and clarinet and was a member of the Sunshine Girls. She graduated in 1949 and attended Indiana University for a year before returning to Greensburg when her father passed away. She worked at Camp Atterbury until she secured a secretarial job in Washington DC. in 1952. She met and married Philip J. Smith who became her husband of 65 years until his passing in 2018. Gloria and Phil started a family while living in Washington DC. In 1959, when Phil was offered a job with the Navy working at NSA Crane they chose Bloomington as home base for their family which grew to include six children. In addition to a very busy home life, Gloria was employed through the years at Public Health Nursing, IU Graduate Library, and the IU Chemistry Library. Gloria was an avid and very competitive tennis player. As the years passed, she transferred her passion for sports to golf. She made deep and long-lasting friendships with her ladies golf group and could be found on a golf course several times a week weather permitting. Winters were often spent in Florida which allowed her to play golf and soak up the sun. Gloria is preceded in death by her husband, Philip J. Smith and her son, Philip Smith Jr. She will be missed dearly by her children Elaine Smith, Chris van Bergeijk (Eric), Cindy Brown (Mike), Patty Reutell (Terry), and Steve Smith (Luann), nine grandchildren and one great grandson. Due to the need to avoid gatherings, the family will hold a private celebration of Gloria's life. Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 S. Old State Road 37, Bloomington have been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com

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Gloria Jean Smith

May 12, 1931 - April 13, 2020