Gloria W. Baars, 77, of Belvidere, died Friday, September 8, 2006 in O.S.F. St. Anthony Medical Center following a two year illness. She was born May 17, 1929 in Boone County, Illinois, the daughter of Ernest and Lida (Bruce) Shook. She lived the past two years in Rockford, going there from Belvidere. Gloria married Marshall Baars in Belvidere on June 18, 1950. She was employed as an assembler for Midwest Bottle Cap. Co., then as a bookkeeper for DeWane Livestock and Restaurant, before working as a clerk for Walgreen's Drug Store where she retired in 1989. Member of Flora Community Church. She always enjoyed going to luncheons with other widows that met on a regular basis. She is a graduate of Belvidere High School, Class of 1947. Gloria is survived by her two sons, Kenneth (Tina) Baars, Belvidere, Ill.; and Larry "Jumbo" (Natalie) Baars, Kingston, Ill.; four grandchildren, Daniel, Dana, Kyle and Cassandra Baars; one great granddaughter, Rebecca Baars, and a nephew, Steve Shook plus all over her special friends who have supported her throughout the years. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, a brother and sister-in-law, Keelin and Vernie Shook and a nephew, Randy Shook. The family would like to thank the staff of O.S.F. St. Anthony Medical Center's Intensive Care Unit, Nelson-Debes Subacute Care and Alma Nelson Manor for the care of their mother. They would also like to thank Dr. Anthony Molinari for is care and compassion and the late Rev. Terry Cowan for his pastoral care to Gloria.

A Memorial Fund will be established at a later date.