Gloria J. Andrews, age 92, of Nenzel, Nebraska, passed away peacefully with her family

by her side on September 23, 2025, at Rock County Long Term Care in Bassett, Nebraska.

Born on December 3, 1932, in Mason City, Iowa, Gloria was the daughter of Howard V.

Schaper and Ethel R. (Hunt) Schaper. She was raised on the family farm near Britt,

Iowa, where her family operated The Schaper Hatchery, selling 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, Iowa. After graduation, she taught

art at both the elementary and high school levels in Newton, Iowa.

On June 4, 1955, Gloria married Harley Andrews in a double wedding ceremony

alongside her sister Marjorie in Britt, Iowa. 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 her sister, Marjorie. She was preceded in death by her daughter,

Sandy; her parents, Howard and Ethel Schaper; her brother, Kenneth; and her sister,

Virginia.

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

Gloria Jean Andrews, age 92 of Nenzel, passed away on September 23, 2025, at the Rock County Long Term Care Center in Bessett.  A private family service will be held at a later date.