Gloria J. Bausman

Gloria J. Bausman died on August 26th, surrounded by her family, at Allure Nursing Home in Mt. Carroll.

Gloria was born on September 18, 1929, the only child of Orville and Gladys (Benson) Handel. She spent her entire life in Mt. Carroll and graduated with the MCHS Class of 1947. Gloria’s lengthy work career began as a secretary at the Mt. Carroll Mutual Insurance Agency, and she later became a legal secretary for attorneys Wm. Petty and Jack Joyce.

She was a life-long member of the Mt. Carroll First Baptist Church, where she served on numerous committees and was a member of the Christiana Circle. After retirement, she also volunteered at the Good Samaritan Center in Mt. Carroll and the Savanna Food Pantry.

Gloria is best remembered as a hardworking single mother who never had a driver’s license but managed to work full-time while raising six children with love and an abundance of patience. Their home was a gathering place for her children’s friends, and her house at the corner of Jackson and Washington Streets will be remembered as being filled with chaos and laughter. Her life was devoted to her family, and she was always on the bleachers at every sporting event, dance recital, or other activity in which her children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren participated. Pride in her large family was evident throughout her long life. She will also be remembered for her love of cats, her wide circle of friends, and her quiet strength, sweet personality, and positive outlook.

Gloria is survived by her children: Kandi (Jerry) Corbett, Mike (Kathy) Bausman, Terry (Donna) Bausman, Pat (Diane) Bausman, and Tami (George) Delp. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, five great-great-grandchildren, and son-in-law David (Paula) Weber. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved daughter Jan, two stillborn great-grandsons, her special friend Tom Wiltshire, and her favorite long-time neighbors, Dona Warfield and Jan McGowan.

Per Gloria’s wishes, there were no services, and a private family burial of her ashes was held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made in her name to the Davis Community Center Mini Food Pantry, 631 S. East St., Mt. Carroll, IL 61053.

If you wish to honor Gloria: adopt a cat, play some cards, catch up with a friend, feed some family, and keep smiling.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Allure of Mt. Carroll for the loving and compassionate care she received during her more than eight years as a resident.