Gloria Talavera-Rhoades

March 4, 1952 - March 24, 2009 Gloria was born in
Safford, Arizona to Manuel and Carmen Talavera. She
had three sisters and two brothers. In school, Gloria
was active in sports, especially volleyball. She won
state championships with her high school team. After
graduating from Eastern Arizona College with an
Associate of Arts degree, Gloria worked at several
jobs before signing up with SCF Arizona. She worked
her way up the ladder starting as an administrative
assistant. She became an underwriting technician and
then became an auditor. Gloria retired after 30 plus
years of service. During her years at SCF Arizona, her
daughter, Veronica Jenysis Talavera, was born August
4, 1974. Gloria married Steve Rhoades January 19,
1991. Her grandson was born January 15, 1996. Gloria
was a bookworm. She enjoyed reading a wide variety of
books. She had a passion for her family genealogy. She
took great joy in sharing the results of her research
with her family. Gloria had a strong sense of loyalty
and dedication to her family. She took care of her
during her sister's illness and became the legal
guardian of her niece after the sister passed away.
Gloria also took her mother into her home to help take
care of her. Gloria did all she could to help her
family. She had an infectious laughter. In the notes
people sent after her passing, people mentioned her
good cheer, sense of humor and brilliant smile. Gloria
will be forever missed.

Published in the Tucson Newspapers on November 21,
2009