Gloria Mae Rikard, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, left this world peacefully on January 27, 2025, at the age of 83. Born on January 12, 1942, in Springfield, Missouri, to Roscoe M. and Viola (Meldrum) Williams. Her brother was Joe Williams her half-brother was Marty Williams.  She was united in marriage to Jerry Rikard on November 21, 1958. From this union, seven children were born: Kerry, Kirk, Kenneth, Kathy, Kim, Kendra, and Kristi.

Gloria was a hard worker, dedicating her hands and heart to various roles throughout her life. She began her journey as a nurturing mother, running a state licensed daycare from her home, providing care and love to countless children. Her compassionate spirit continued to shine as she worked as a nurse at Cox North in the cancer clinic, before she found her rhythm as a forklift operator at French’s Food Company, where she eventually retired. Even after retirement, she continued to contribute her talents by working for OTC, demonstrating that her zest for life was as strong as ever.

A woman of many passions, Gloria adored gardening; her flowers were as vibrant as her personality. She had an impressive talent for sewing and crafts, always creating beautiful things with her skilled hands. Her humor was infectious, known for her witty comebacks that could light up the dullest of days. And let’s not forget her love for fishing, where she found joy in the lazy days spent at the lake with family, or at home with perhaps a John Wayne or Kirk Douglas film playing in the background.

Gloria loved good food, relishing a perfectly cooked steak with a baked potato topped with a mountain of butter and sour cream—“pile it on!” she would declare with a smile. Even at the age of 79, she embraced new adventures, bravely taking up kayaking, embodying the spirit of remaining young at heart.

She was met in heaven by her daughter, Kristi Rikard, her granddaughter, Katlyn Sarai Rikard, her parents and her brothers.

She leaves behind her loving children and their spouses, Kerry Rikard and wife Becky from Buffalo, MO, Kirk Rikard and wife Dahlia from Hartville, MO, Kenneth Rikard and wife Penny from Hartville, MO. Kathy Hinds from Springfield, MO, Kim Chasteen and husband Bob from Mt. Grove, MO, Kendra Salsman and husband Aarron from Republic, MO; 19 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren. Her warmth and laughter will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Funeral services for Gloria will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 3:00pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, North. A visitation will take place an hour before the service beginning at 2:00pm. Burial will take place immediately following at Olive Free Will Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to join in celebrating her remarkable life, sharing stories, laughter, and fond memories. We will gather to honor her legacy, remembering her as the spirited, loving woman she was.