Gloria Ann Conz

1929 - 2015

Gloria Ann Conz, 85, of League City, Texas, received her angel wings and was received into the arms of our Lord on Saturday, January 17, 2015.

Reared in the Mennonite faith, Gloria attended high school in Mt. Penn, PA. She played the cello in the orchestra. In keeping with the times, she carried her instrument case “back and forth, in the snow, up and down the mountain, everyday”–how many times have we all heard that story?! While playing forward position, she helped the Mt. Penn girls’ basketball team win the state championship all three years. She shared her love for basketball with everyone who knew her throughout her life. After graduating with honors, she attended the New York Art Institute for 2 years on an art scholarship, withdrawing early to return home to care for her mother.

She began her professional career in 1950 at Pomeroy’s Department Store in downtown Reading, PA, designing print advertisements and window displays. After Gloria married in 1952, her husband joined the U.S. Space Program in Titusville, FL, where Gloria opened her own ceramic studio. In 1961, the NASA Space Program brought the family to the Houston area. She worked briefly at Nassau Bay National Bank. Shortly after, she and her husband opened Conz Ceramic Studio in Webster, TX. Recognizing her talents, NASA officials commissioned her several times to make personal ceramic items for astronauts and executives in the Space Program. Her love for cooking for others led her to open Peyton Place Restaurant in League City, TX. Other accomplishments include working as purchasing agent at Century Paper Company in Houston, TX, and as claims administrator at American General in Galveston, TX. Upon retirement, she returned to her first love and found herself teaching art at College of the Mainland in Texas City, TX, and also at the Galveston County Center for Senior Citizens.

Gloria, affectionately called Sis by her siblings, was predeceased by her three brothers, Elmer “Juny” Frankhouser, Richard “Dick” Frankhouser, and John “Gus” Frankhouser. She is survived by her daughter Cathie Conz Nall, of Lubbock; daughter Cindy Conz Sartain and son-in-law Randy Sartain of Houston; grandchildren Catherine Camille Nall Landry (and husband Jason), of Austin, TX; Scott Charles Trcka (and wife Trisha), of Dallas, TX; Brett Flavel Nall, of Lubbock, TX; Carrie Renee Sartain Siepmann (and husband Jeff), of Houston, TX; and great-grandchildren Ashlyn, Trevor, and Haley Trcka, and Blaire Ann Siepmann. Also surviving are nieces, nephews, cousins, and countless friends.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and heartfelt gratitude to those who continue to share their love with her.

In keeping with Gloria’s wishes, a private service, for immediate family only, will celebrate her life on Friday, January 23, 2015, in Houston, TX. In lieu of flowers, it is our hope that her love for children and animals be continued. If you would like to give, please donate to: Make-A-Wish Foundation (wish.org) or Houston SPCA (houstonspca.org).

Mom…your long and always vibrant journey on this earth has come to an end. Close your eyes; open your arms; trust your wings. We love you.