VIRGINIA BEACH — Gloria E. Bowen, formerly of North Anson and Kingfield, passed away Friday, July 2, 2010 after an extended illness in a hospital in Norfolk, Va. surrounded by her family.

She was born Dec. 31, 1933 in New Portland, to Dolly Church and Rudolph L. Dyer Sr. Gloria graduated from Kingfield High School and Beal College. She was a member of the group of teenagers who joined with Amos Winter in blazing the first trail at Sugarloaf Mountain. Gloria spent several years as a room attendant and waitress at Judson’s Motel in Carrabassett Valley and the Herbert Hotel in Kingfield, before retiring from Somerset Telephone Company as a telephone operator.

Gloria moved to Virginia Beach, Va. five years ago to be closer to her sons and their families. While living in Virginia Beach she was able to spend time with her children and grandchildren which she enjoyed.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Evelyn; a brother, Arthur; her husband, Raymond A. Bowen; and sister-in-law, Miriam Dyer.

She is survived by two sons, Robert S. Walker Jr. and companion, Sharon, and Michael E. Walker and wife, Shawn, all of Virginia Beach, Va.; a sister, Eleanor Lander and husband, Dwight, of Windham; a brother, Rudolph Dyer Jr. of Farmington; four grandchildren, Brett Walker and fiancé, Austin Muhly, Allison Walker, Morgan Walker and Forrest Walker, all of Virginia Beach, Va. Gloria is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Gloria will be brought home to Maine by her sons for interment. Graveside services will be held Aug. 28, 2010, 11 a.m. at Forest Hill Cemetery in Madison. The service will be conducted by Reverend David Walz, pastor of First Congregational Church, North Anson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association.

Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon brown.com.