Submitted by: Mary Jo Koran

SBT 4/29/1999

Gloria Kowatch

April 21, 1936 - April 27, 1999

Gloria (Kurtz) Kowatch, 63, residing at 11961 Tyler Road, Lakeville, Ind., passed away following a brief illness at 3:36 p.m. on Tuesday, April 27, in the Saint Joseph's Regional Medical Center, South Bend.

Gloria was born on April 21, 1936, in Culver, Ind., to the late John and May (Warner) Kurtz. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Robert Kurtz; and by an uncle, C.L. ''Dick'' Shively.

On Oct. 26, 1956, in Lafayette, Ind., she married James Arthur Kowatch, who survives.

She is also survived by five children, Constance Cepeda of LaPorte, Ind., Jeffrey Kowatch of Fort Wayne, Ind., Elizabeth Kowatch of Fort Wayne, Linda Kowatch of Nashville, Tenn., and Robert Kowatch of Bremen, Ind.; a son-in-law, Alex Cepeda; a daughter-in-law, Claire Kowatch; and by one aunt, Genevieve Shively of Culver, Ind.

Gloria was blessed with six grandchildren, Chad, Kyle, and Cassandra Cepeda of LaPorte, Ind., and Hannah, Krista, and Emma Kowatch of Fort Wayne, Ind. She enjoyed various activities with her children and grandchildren including sporting events, musicals, school events, and family gatherings.

In accordance with Gloria's wishes, her body will be cremated and there will be no visitation. A private family memorial service will be held on Friday, April 30 at the Palmer Funeral Home, Lakeville, Ind.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be donated to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 25757, Alexandria, VA 22313 or to the charity of donor's choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Palmer Funeral Home, Lakeville, Ind.