Gloria J. Winans

Gloria J. Winans, 82, of Fort Wayne, Indiana passed away on Sunday, July 30, 2023. She was born on May 27, 1941, in Fort Wayne, a daughter of the late Irvin and Ruth (Sealover) Imboden. She was a 1959 graduate of Central High School and the Lutheran School of Nursing in 1962. Gloria served two years’ active duty in the U.S. Navy and two years’ active duty in the U.S. Navy Reserves Nurse Corps in California. She then moved back to Indiana, joined the Indiana Air National Guard in 1970, and served as a clinical nurse with the 122nd Tactical Fighter Wing Hospital based at Baer Field. In 1971, she married the love of her life, Thomas Winans, DDS. Together they enjoyed marriage, serving together in the Indiana Air National Guard, family and work, eventually retiring to a home on Jimmerson Lake. In 1976, Gloria received the Indiana National Guard Commendation Medal and in 1982, she was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel becoming the highest-ranking female in the Indiana Air National Guard’s History. In addition to her military service, Gloria worked as a staff nurse with the American Red Cross and as adjunct faculty at IPFW. In her free time, she enjoyed being in nature, animals, and volunteering at the Pokagon Nature Center. Gloria will be remembered for her love of family, her wonderful sense of humor, her generous heart, and giving spirit. Surviving family include her stepchildren, Sheli (Rick) Taulbee and Mark (Sheryl) Winans; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; siblings, Carole Tyner, Audra Imboden, and Mark Imboden; and nephew, Barton (Jay Bastian) Tyner. Besides her parents, she was preceded in passing by her husband, Thomas L. Winans, DDS, and her stepdaughter, Becky Winans. Memorial service will be 2:00 pm on Sunday, August 13, 2023, at Greenlawn Funeral Home, 6750 Covington Road, Fort Wayne with a gathering of family and friends one hour prior. Inurnment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Fort Wayne. Memorials in Gloria’s memory may be made to American Cancer Society or Paralyzed Veterans of America. Condolences and memories of Gloria may be left online at www.greenlawnmpfh.com.