Gloria Zella (Bruce) Smitley

Gloria Zella Smitley (Bruce), 95, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2024 after a brief battle with cancer.  She was, and always will be, a light and a blessing to our family for years to come.  She was the glue that held us together, the matriarch, and our rock.  She was strong, brave, kind, generous, and true to her faith.  She taught us all so much about staying positive in tough times, living life to the fullest with grace and humility, and giving unconditionally.  She loved the Christmas season most because it allowed her to shower her family with gifts, food, and just being together.  She was happiest when we were all together celebrating holidays, birthdays, or just getting together for a cookout.  She always over prepared because it had to be perfect every time.  Her smile and laugh could light up a room and anyone that met her loved her.

Gloria was born on May 4, 1929, in Nemacolin, Pennsylvania to the late Frank and Kathryn Bruce.  She was one of eight children, two sisters and five brothers.  Gloria attended Carmichael’s High School where she met Bill Smitley, the love of her life, and they married on June 28, 1950.  They welcomed their first daughter, Candace in 1951, and later Michelle, in 1955.  Bill worked in the coal mines until they closed and then moved the family to Streetsboro, Ohio where he worked at Ford Motor Company in Bedford, Ohio.  They raised the girls and then added one more daughter, Aimee, in 1967.

Gloria attended the United Methodist Church of Streetsboro and was active in all the events concerning the church.  She attended every Sunday and loved going to lunch after service with her church friends.  She worked at Delta Systems for several years and was promoted to line leader of her assembly line.  She loved her job and has many happy memories working there.

When her husband, Bill, became ill with multiple sclerosis she cared for him at home and never left his side for over ten years until he passed away in 2004.  During the 20 years of living without him, Gloria traveled to Mexico several times, Canada, Florida, Arizona, and South Carolina with her family. She enjoyed the grandbabies and great grandbabies attending graduations, birthdays, and holidays spoiling them all.  She made everything special.

Gloria was preceded in death by her husband, William (Bill) Smitley, her daughter Candace (Robert) Rutkus, her son-in-law Ronald Oliver, her parents, Frank and Kathryn Bruce, and siblings Pauline, Nancy, Frank Jr., George, Robert, and Charles.

She is survived by her two daughters, Michelle Oliver (Ronald), and Aimee Ek (Bill), grandchildren Rachael Dibiase (Jeff), John Evanoff (Jessi), Kendra Ek, and Jaden Ek.  Great grandchildren Kaylee Grootegoed (Logan), and Alex Evanoff, and great great grandchildren Jolie Grootegoed and Baby Girl Grootegoed on the way, and her brother Lawrence (Sharon) Bruce from Minnesota.

No memorial service will be held. She will be laid to rest at Evergreen Cemetery.  A special thank you to the Aultman Hospice Care team for all their love and support.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gloria’s name to the Compassionate Care Hospice Center – Aultman Women’s Board, 2600 Sixth St., SW, Canton, OH  44710.