r career to Farmstead Foods. She later joined a car dealership in Center Point which offered her transportation when the kids were young, she was their successful finance manager. She won numerous awards, and achieved top salesperson of the month by selling 37 cars, more than anyone had sold at the time. When she was offered an opportunity to buy into a business, she took the risk and headed to Fountain Hills, Arizona to open a bar and restaurant with Kent. Gloria always excelled in meeting business demands while balancing a household of active children. She simply "figured it out." Her favorite saying to those she treasured, especially her children and grandchildren, was "Love you to the Moon & Back." Her love never waned, even throughout trials and tribulations. Grit, determination, and tenacity were traits unmatched to any that knew her. Her favorite places were Walmart, the Post Office, the Casino, and anywhere she could sing karaoke. Gloria is survived by her husband of 40 years, Kent Gordon Odekirk; their eight children, Donald D. Craig (Jessica) of Victor, Iowa, Samantha F. (DeeDee) Evens of Los Angeles, James P. Craig of Media, Pennsylvania, Michelle D. (Brad) Owens of Central City, Mary J. (Francisco) Barrera of Cedar Rapids, Kurtis G. Odekirk of Palo, Katrina A. (Todd) Roalson of Mesa, Arizona, and Robert K. Odekirk of Cedar Rapids; 17 grandchildren, Kelsey Kay Jean Craig, Brandon Zeadow, James Craig, Kyleigha 'KK' and Cory Levine, Taylor Evens, Rylee, Blair and Evah Owens, Jessica Robertson, Derrick Steger, Marcela Billmeyer, Jacob and Alfonso Barrera, Shelby Miller, Kandace Odekirk, Allie Rose Dake, and Kyle Goldberg; three great-grandchildren, Anthony and Vanessa Billmeyer, Aryia (Rosie) Barrera, and baby boy Miller on the way; siblings, Steve Andrews, Carole Stickley, Cathy Jo Monroe, and Johnny Berge. She was preceded in death by her parents, Joyce and Scotty Middleton; father, Donald Andrews; sister, Trish Andrews; brother, Gary Andrews; beloved great-grandson, Zane Zeadow; and very dear friends that mom took in and cared for during their last years of life which include Cindy K, Maybelle, and Jim and Joan Wilcox. "Love you to the Moon & Back. See you in Heaven!" ~ Glo To read the full obituary, please click here: http://www.stewartbaxter.com/obituaries/Gloria-Odekirk?obId=3113748#/celebrationWall