Gloria Jean Hlas, 72, of Clutier, Iowa passed away Sunday, January 29, 2017 at Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown.

Gloria was born on October 7, 1944, in Marshalltown, Iowa to George and Mayme (Riha) Strachota.

Gloria lived with her mother and brother on her grandparent's farm until she was in 3rd grade, then moved to Tama until she graduated from Tama High School in 1962. After graduation, she moved to Cedar Rapids where she worked at B.L. Anderson Co. When she turned 18 she went to work at Rockwell Collins.

On June 4, 1966, Gloria married the "love of her life", Harry. Four blessings were born to this union. They made their home on the family farm where Harry grew up in rural Clutier where she enjoyed being a homemaker, but her greatest joy was being a wife, mother and grandmother.

Gloria always joked that she wasn't able to boil water when she was first married, but soon learned all she needed to know from her mother-in-law, Agnes, who later said that Gloria's dumplings were better than hers. She used her cooking expertise to start a catering business which later became Gloria's Czech Inn in Clutier. With the help of Harry, she operated the restaurant for 8 ½ years in the 1990's. After a long and successful catering career, she retired in January 2015.

Gloria enjoyed reading, cooking, and traveling. Over the years, some of the places they visited included the Panama Canal, Europe, Hawaii, Alaska and various other U.S. destinations.

Gloria is preceded in death by her mother, Mayme Strachota. She is survived by her devoted husband of 50 years, Harry; four loving children, Theresa (Brad) Proctor of Pocahontas, IA; Kristi (Bill) Staples of Fort Collins, CO; Janel (Mike) Hernandez of Olathe, KS; Joe (Shana) Hlas of Olathe, KS; and 9 grandchildren, Benjamin (Sadie) Proctor; Rachel (Randy) Meyer; Daniel Proctor; Rebekah; Joshua; Elisa; and Caleb Hernandez; Brendan Staples; and Mason Hlas; and her brother, Jim (Diane) Strachota of Fort Collins, CO.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 2, 2017 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Tama, IA. With Father Mike Mescher and Deacon Joe Behounek officiating.

Visitation is 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at the church, with a wake service at 6:30 p.m. Burial will take place at Holy Trinity Cemetery, Clutier, IA. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences can be sent at www.hrabakfuneralhome.com .