Gloria Skaggs

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gloria Skaggs, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who peacefully left this world on August 24, 2025, in Salina, Kansas. Gloria was born on December 20, 1935, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She lived a life filled with love, laughter, and an enduring spirit that will be cherished by all who knew her.

Gloria was a proud member of the greatest generation, having married her loving husband, Vester (Vic) Skaggs, in 1955. Their union was a partnership built on love and support, as they navigated life’s challenges together, including Vic’s military service, which brought them from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan to Okinawa, Japan, and then Salina, where he was stationed at Schilling Air Force Base in 1958. Gloria’s resilience and dedication to her family were evident throughout her life.

She dedicated many years of her life to working at General Dynamics on the base, First State Bank, HyWay Asphalt, and as the Office Manager for Ballou Construction before enjoying a well-deserved retirement.

In her personal life, Gloria was known for her loving nature and her ability to bring joy to those around her. She was a nurturing mother to her daughter, Cheryl Ritter, and dearly loved her son-in-law, Charles Ritter, Jr. (C.A.) She was a devoted grandmother to her grandsons: Chuck Ritter, Ross Ritter (Marion), and Rex Ritter (Corey). She was also a great-grandmother to Henry and Jack Ritter and Merida Ritter, a role she cherished immensely.

Gloria’s passions included reading, puzzles, playing cards with friends, enjoying rounds of golf with girlfriends, and being a devoted NFL fan, enthusiastically rooting for her favorite teams. Her vibrant spirit shone through in every game and gathering, where her laughter was contagious, and her stories were treasured.

As she faced the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, Gloria continued to embody strength and grace. Her family is eternally grateful for the compassionate care provided by the staff of Gentiva Hospice, as well as Drs. Brian Pavey and Trent Davis, who tended to her with kindness during her illness.

Gloria is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Vester, her sister, Wanda, and parents, Lucille and Byron Grier. She leaves behind a legacy of love that will carry on through her family and friends.

A funeral service to honor Gloria’s life will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025, at St. Mary’s Queen of the Universe Catholic Church, 230 E Cloud St, Salina, KS. Starting with a rosary at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:30 a.m.

As we bid farewell to this remarkable woman, we remember Gloria Skaggs as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend whose kindness, laughter, and spirit will forever resonate in our hearts. Thank you, Gloria, for the beautiful memories and the love you shared with us all. You will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Saline County Meals on Wheels.