Gloria Martha Shorts passed away June 16, 2017, just shy of her 92nd birthday.

She was born in McPherson, Kansas on August 16, 1925 to Irvin Carl and Martha Tuxhorn Gatz. She grew up on the farm, with no electricity or running water, and attended a one room schoolhouse. In 1942, her family moved to California to start a new life and Gloria finished high school at Bellflower High. After graduation, she attended business school before working as a secretary at the Long Beach shipyards. She met Richard Shorts at the Palladium in Hollywood, where they danced to Woody Herman’s band. They married October 22, 1950 and were devoted to each other for 59 years, until his passing in 2009. They had 3 children - Carla, Bill and Gigi – and through the years, they lived in Burbank, Thousand Oaks, Silver Strand Beach (Oxnard) and eventually, at Hueneme Bay, Pt Hueneme.

Gloria will be remembered for her no-nonsense personality, her honesty, generosity and resiliency. She was a great cook, a passionate gardener and a dedicated and talented bridge player. She was no wallflower, with a great, big personality and jewelry to match. Most especially, we will remember her love and care for her family. Despite health challenges for many years, Gloria always put family first and set the example of dedication to each of us. She was truly our matriarch and we will miss her terribly.

Gloria was predeceased by husband, Richard; and daughter, Carla. She is survived by son, Bill & daughter-in-law, Heidi Shorts; daughter, Gloria “Gigi” Kilmer; grandsons, Sam (Krystal) Shorts, Alex (Morganne) Shorts, Nick (Jessie) Shorts and Bryce Kilmer; granddaughter, Shelby Kilmer; and great-grandchildren, Kayleb, Avelyn, Ezekiel, Daxon and Kara.

Arrangements are under the direction of Conejo Mountain Funeral Home, 2052 Howard Road, Camarillo; phone 482-1959. Family in the care of Erin Arteaga, Funeral Director

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