Gloria Moore Michels

Gloria Moore Michels, 92, of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, peacefully passed away on January 28, 2026, at Westwood Hills Health and Rehab.

She was born on March 24, 1933, to George Thornton and Velva (Nelson) Thornton.

She was married to the late Chester L. Moore, Jr. for 52 years, with whom she raised Steven and Kelly. Later in life, she found love again and was married to the late Dr. Kenneth Michels for 15 years.

Gloria Was a member of the First Christian Church, singing in the choir for many years. She belonged to several civic groups and was Democratic Woman of the year in the 1990’s.

Gloria loved working in women’s retail clothing. Working part-time in high school at Charles Millers, then Libson Shops, The Body Works, and then working at Kids and Co., when her two granddaughters Amanda and Kayla were born and needed to be in fashion, and Key Rexall for many years.

Gloria is survived by her son, Steven (Debbie) Moore of Columbia; her daughter Kelly Varney of Nesbit, Mississippi; two grandchildren; and three great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Chester Moore; her second husband, Ken Michels; her parents, George and Velva Thornton; one brother Benny Thornton; and one sister LaWanda Ray. A host of family and friends also survive.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff, especially Lynn, of Westwood Hills Health and Rehab for their loving care of Gloria, in her last two years.

The family request in lieu of flowers that donation be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Gloria’s name.

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home at 366 College Street, Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Fitch-Hillis Funeral Chapel with Pastor Jim Schremp officiating.

Condolences may be made online at www.fitchhillisfh.com or on the Fitch-Hillis Facebook page.