In Loving Memory of Gloria Martha Willms Stehling

September 8, 1937 – June 26, 2025

Born in Goliad County, Texas, to Martha (Kern) and Adolph Willms, Gloria Martha Stehling lived a life centered around her faith and love for her family. She was raised in Ander, Texas with sisters Gladys Mae Willms, Florine (Willms) Wagner, and Doris (Willms) Wendel. During her years as an Army wife, Gloria embraced many temporary homes, both stateside and abroad – but her heart always remained rooted in Ander.

On December 19, 1956 Gloria married her high school sweetheart of four years, Derl Edward Stehling and together they wrote a love story for the ages. A short time after the wedding, Derl was deployed to Germany with the Army, and Gloria stayed behind in Texas. She missed him terribly, and after spending six months apart, love gave her courage. She bought a plane ticket, crossed the ocean, and reunited with Derl on the other side of the world. It was the first adventure of many they would share together through the years.

With joy they welcomed three children to the world, beginning with Martha “Marcy” Stehling in March 1958 at 97th General Hospital in Frankfurt, Germany (a place that would come full circle years later when their first granddaughter was also born there). Michael “Mike” Stehling joined the family in May 1959, and Mitchell Dale Stehling (Dale) completed the sibling trio in September 1961, amidst the chaos of Hurricane Carla.

Gloria’s dedication extended beyond her home. During Derl’s years of active duty she was a civil service employee. After he retired in 1977, she spent some years with CP&L before taking a position with the United States Postal Service. Her dedication to excellence earned her the title of Postmaster in Fannin, Texas, where she served until retirement in 1998.

Gloria was a lifelong Christian and her faith was unwavering. She was an active member first of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Ander, and later at St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Schroeder, Texas— where she served not only as a congregant but also as the church organist. Her passion for piano began early and as a teen, she played every Sunday morning at multiple Lutheran services in the area, offering her gift to the Lord with love.

Gloria was also a talented seamstress, cook, and baker who poured love into every project and recipe. Holidays were often marked by a “Cookie Baking Day” shared with her grandchildren. Family gatherings were so special because of Gloria’s warmth and hospitality. One Christmas she surprised her family with a live Nativity pageant, complete with handmade costumes. What was intended as a one-time event was so enjoyed by her grandchildren that it became an annual tradition known fondly as “Homemade Holy Night”.

Gloria loved animals, and she often rescued and hand-fed orphaned lambs, calves, or even baby raccoons. Her hands were gentle and so was her demeanor - to Gloria, all of God’s creations were precious and worthy of nurturing.

Gloria cherished her retirement years traveling the country in an RV with her sweetheart, Derl. They went from coast to coast, even as far as Prince Edward Island. Her preferred destination was Alaska, and one trip was extra special because they were joined by granddaughter Heidi. Gloria enjoyed revisiting the memories made that summer, and often said it was one of her favorite trips of all time.

Side by side, Gloria and Derl built their dream, and Gloria was a hands-on partner. She helped run the family farm—milked cows, hauled hay, gathered eggs, and tended the garden, held down a full-time job, raised three children, and no matter how busy she was, she always made time for her grandchildren. If her days were full, then her heart was overflowing.

Gloria leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and joy. She is survived by her devoted husband of nearly 69 years, Derl; daughter Marcy; daughter-in-law Denean (Bayer) Stehling; 11 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; and 2 great-great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind countless cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and honorary family, loved ones, and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, her beloved sons Mike and Dale Stehling, and many dear friends.

Though we grieve her passing, we celebrate 87 wonderful years of an extraordinary woman, whose life was defined by kindness, creativity, generosity, and grace.

A memorial service to honor Gloria will be held on July 12, 2025 at 10 AM at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Schroeder, Texas. A luncheon will follow in the Parish Hall.