Gloria J. Andrews, 92

Gloria J. Andrews, age 92, of Nenzel, NE, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on September 23, 2025, at Rock County Long Term Care in Bassett, NE.

Born on December 3, 1932, in Mason City, IA, Gloria was the daughter of Howard V. Schaper and Ethel R. (Hunt) Schaper. She was raised on the family farm near Britt, IA, where her family operated The Schaper Hatchery, sel l ing baby chicks and feed. Life on the farm was full— raising pigs, milking cows, and caring for horses. Among them, Ranger, held a special place in Gloria’s heart.

Gloria attended country school through eighth grade and graduated from high school in Britt. Her passion for art led her to the Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri, where she discovered her calling to teach. She went on to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Teaching from Drake University in Des Moines, IA. After graduation, she taught art at both the elementary and high school levels in Newton, IA.

On June 4, 1955, Gloria married Harley Andrews in a double wedding ceremony alongside her sister Marjorie in Britt, IA. Together, Gloria and Harley built a life on their ranch in the Nebraska Sandhills along the Snake River, where they raised six children. Gloria’s kitchen was a hub of warmth and nourishment—especially during haying season, when she fed crews of ten or more three times a day! Her garden was legendary, producing enough to feed an army, and she canned and froze enough food to last through the long winters. No one ever left her home hungry.

A gifted seamstress, Gloria sewed most of her children’s clothing until they reached high school. Despite the demands of ranch life, she nurtured her creative spirit through photography, oil and watercolor painting, and quilting. She was an active member of the Quilt Guild in Valentine for many years, lovingly crafting quilts for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren— each one a lasting symbol of her warmth and care. Gloria loved picking wild fruit near the river and canning it for winter. Her beloved horse on the ranch, Belle, a mix of quarter horse and Arabian, was her pride and joy, and she rode her whenever she had a chance.

For over 20 years, Gloria and Harley shared the joy of square dancing with the Valentine Group. She also served her community faithfully as an Election Board Judge.

Her devotion extended to her church, Holy Cross, where she served as secretary-treasurer, Sunday school teacher, and Vacation Bible School leader. Gloria’s unwavering faith and deep-rooted family values continue to live on through those she loved.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Harley; children, Bruce (Charlotte), Craig (Karen), Linda Whitaker (Vern), Wade (Rhonda), and Doug; nine grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren; and sister, Marjorie. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Sandy; parents, Howard and Ethel Schaper; brother, Kenneth; and sister, Virginia.

Her legacy is one of love, creativity, resilience, and faith—a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished.

A private family memorial service was held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., at Cherry Hills Estates in Valentine. The burial will take place at Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Cody. Sandoz Chapel of the Pines was in charge of service arrangements.