Gloria Joanne (Nabors) Lunnen, 94, of State College, passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Centre Care in Bellefonte. She was born on April 21, 1931, in Connellsville, PA to the late Bryan and Mildred (Ayers) Nabors. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons; Keith D. Lunnen and wife Lisa, Brent E. Lunnen and wife Lydia; five grandsons, Andrew and wife Cori, Kevin and wife Molli, Lance and wife Lexi, Eric, Shane and wife Joanna, four great grandsons, Carter James, Arthur Wallace, Henry Ross and Flynn Walter.
She was preceded in death by her son, Ray J. Lunnen III, one grandson, Blake Austin Lunnen, two brothers, Lyle Nabors and Richard Nabors,
Gloria graduated from Connellsville High School in 1949 and from The California State University, California, PA in 1953 with a BS in Elementary Education. She earned graduate credits from The Universities of Virginia, Loyola and Bowie State of MD, and Penn State. Her teaching included schools in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, as well as Corl Street and Easterly Parkway in State College. She loved teaching and spent many hours helping her students with home related problems.
On June 3, 1955, she married graduating midshipman Ray J. Lunnen Jr. at the US Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis, MD, and shared his 24 year military career. With each of the many relocations, Gloria quickly found teaching employment and ways to use her talents in the community and church related projects. She was a devoted and loving mother, and was the driving force that enabled her family to adjust and respond to a nomadic military life.
She was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church since the family’s final relocation to State College in 1989. Gloria was blessed to enjoy the continuing education provided through travel to foreign lands and the study of their customs and cultures. Hawaii was one of her favorite destinations. She was a member of the “Red Hat Society”. Gloria was blessed with 70 years of a loving and caring marriage.
A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 109 McAllister Street, State College, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation or Alzheimers Dementia Research, 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. Bellefonte. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.wetzlerfuneralhome.com.