Pastor Gloria J. (Parks) Kremer

Pastor Gloria J. (Parks) Kremer, 78, of Benton, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at her home.  

Born June 7, 1946 in Bloomsburg, she was a daughter of the late John Parks and Pearl (Lockard) Rhoads.  She was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, the Rev. James Francis Kremer, on March 28, 2019.

Gloria grew up in Benton and graduated from Benton High School.  She was especially grateful to her grandmother, Edna Lockard, for her willingness to care for and nurture her.  She inspired Gloria to be the best that she could be.  

Following graduation, she was employed by the Magee Carpet Company in  Bloomsburg.  As she continued to move up in the business world, her final endeavor was to walk the path to serve her Lord within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the capacity of Commission on Ministry, which she earned on August 5, 2018.

She was an Associate Member of Benton  Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and a member of the Waller United Methodist Church.  She was a member of the Benton Rodeo Association, the Benton  Senior Center and was a Food Bank Volunteer.

Gloria enjoyed bike riding, roller skating, reading books, was an avid basketball fan, cross country skiing, and golf.  She enjoyed attending Williamsport Crosscutters baseball games and the Bloomsburg Fair.  She was also the organizer for the George and Edna Lockard annual Family reunion.  She also was known for her jig saw puzzles, sewing, ironing, playing cards with the "apple dumpling gang", looking at classic cars and antiquing.

She and her late husband, Jim, visited the Holy Land twice; Germany during the time the Berlin  Wall between East and West Germany came down and walked through the Brandenburg Gate;  visited England and saw the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace; visited children at many military installations and cherished the annual family Christmas gatherings.      

She served various congregations including Benton Christian Church (DOC), Plymouth Christian Church (DOC) and  the Raven Creek Presbyterian Church.  She also filled in for pastors for numerous area churches as needed.

Gloria single-handedly raised three children with unwavering dedication and love. She instilled in them the importance of hard work and respecting others.  She valued learning as evidenced by her own on-going education.  She was dedicated to her Church and to spreading the word of the Lord.

Surviving are her children:  Robert Seltzer (Lindy); Vicki Parks (Jeff); Traci Seltzer; step children: Nora Seville; Michael  Kremer and his wife, Suzanne; Nancy Jo Kremer Pugh; 20 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; Siblings:  Pauline Kreischer, Bruce Parks and his wife, Pat; Edwin Parks and his wife, Lydia; Melvin Parks and his wife, Carol; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Along with her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Glen Parks.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, September 28,  2024 at 10 A. M. at the Benton Christian Church, Third and Church Streets, Benton, with the Rev. Ken Lewis and the Rev. Dr. David A. Mansfield, officiating.  Burial will be in the Benton Cemetery.  A Viewing will be held Friday from 4 to 7 PM at the Benton Christian Church.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to the Benton Christian Church (DOC), P. O. Box 264, Benton, PA 17814.

The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., Benton, is honored to serve the Kremer family.  For online condolences, or for additional information, please visit our website:  www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com

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