Gloria Joan Bellows, age 89, of York, Nebraska, finished her earthly race on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in York. Gloria transitioned from earth to heaven in the presence of family.
Gloria’s earthly journey began on January 20, 1937, when she was born to Galen and Vera (Harless) Shay in her grandparents’ farmhouse in northwest Polk County, Nebraska. She was raised in David City, where her father worked as a newspaperman, before moving to York for her senior year of high school. While in David City she was active in choir and band, where she especially enjoyed playing the saxophone. She graduated with the York High School Class of 1954.
On August 9, 1968, she was united in marriage to Royce Bellows in Lincoln, Nebraska. Gloria and Royce farmed southwest of McCool Junction, NE. and Gloria worked as an administrative assistant in the York County Treasurer’s Office, where she was known for her warm smile, servant’s heart, and dedication to the people she served. In 1985, Royce and Gloria moved to California. Gloria worked for The Aerospace Corporation, excelling as an administrative assistant. They moved back to the York area in 1996 to be near friends and family.
Gloria was a person of courage, determination, varying interests and many talents. She survived cancer multiple times, earned her pilot’s license, cared for her aging parents, played the role of
farmwife and mother, and consistently gave love from a heart of compassion. She loved flowers, cherry pie (or any pie available), was an avid reader, enjoyed different genres of music, and quilting. Having learned to sew at an early age, she became an avid quilter whose beautifully crafted heirlooms will be cherished by generations to come.
An experience that shaped Gloria’s entire life occurred at the age of fourteen, during a tent revival in Columbus, Nebraska, when she received Christ as her Savior. Gloria’s life was marked by unwavering faith, gentle strength, and a legacy of prayer. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of God to change lives and circumstances. Among the Scriptures that guided her walk with Christ, her favorite was Romans 8:28–29, a passage she lived by and held close to her heart. Her favorite Christian songs included More Than Wonderful, Jesus, What a Wonder You Are, and I Exalt Thee—a reflection of her heart for worship and her deep love for the Lord.
Gloria became a mother in 1962 when she adopted her son Dan, followed by the adoption of her daughter Gina in 1966—an expression of her deep love and commitment to family.
She is survived by her children: Susan (Sam) VanWagner of Palos Verdes, CA; Kevin (Karen) Bellows of McCool Junction, NE; Daniel (Sandra) Browitt of McCool Junction; Gina (Dr. Jesse) Godding of Waxahachie, TX; Deanna Willis of Waynesville, NC; and son-in-law Ron McCarthy of Temecula, CA; along with sixteen grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, four great-great- grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her sister Judy (Frank) Eret of Seward, NE, and sister-in-law Marilyn Shay of York.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Royce; her daughter Joyce McCarthy; her brother Larry Shay; and daughter-in-law Kim Bellows.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026 at the New Heights Church in York, with Pastor Lance Loven officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in McCool Junction. Visitation will be held from 1-8 p.m., Wednesday, March 18, with the family greeting friends from 6-7:30 p.m. that evening, all at Metz Mortuary. Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation. Gloria’s service will be livestreamed on the New Heights Church’s website:https://newheightschurch-ne.subspla.sh/7dw25mt
Gloria’s life was a testament to faith, family, and the quiet strength of a woman who prayed faithfully, loved deeply, and lived with grace.