Gloria (Romans) Nephew

Gloria Romans Nephew, age 99, formerly of Geneva, Illinois, passed away in her sleep at Sunrise of Minnetonka on August 3, 2025.

Gloria was born on July 15, 1926, in Des Moines, Iowa, to Stanley C. Romans and Helen Hove Romans. She grew up in Des Moines, attending high school during the World War II years and later attended Grandview Junior College. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Sociology-Technical Journalism from Iowa State College (now Iowa State University) in 1952. While at Iowa State, Gloria was actively involved in the Science Women’s Club, wrote for the Iowa State Daily, and was a proud member of the Iowa State Scientists.

On September 21, 1952, Gloria married Oliver “Tom” Nephew. They spent many years in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she worked as a substitute teacher and built a loving home before moving to Geneva, Illinois, in 1972. In Geneva, Gloria worked at the Kane County Courthouse, where she served with distinction as a bailiff and later as head bailiff until her retirement.

A woman of strong faith, Gloria was a longtime member of Geneva Lutheran Church. She was deeply devoted to her family and had a passion for cooking, crocheting, and needlepoint. A loyal fan of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs, she also enjoyed reminiscing about her childhood—visiting her (mother) grandparents’ farm in Northwood, bringing dinner to her (father) grandmother in Des Moines and working in her aunt's (father) dress shop. Gloria loved traveling, shopping, and visiting her children and grandchildren wherever life took them.

Gloria is survived by her daughter, Martha (Mike); her sons, Mike and Stan (Kristie); her grandchildren, Jason and John (Joanna) Langford; Corey and Mike Darula; great grandchildren, Max Alexander Langford; Calvin, Jared (Mackenize), Sienna (Jordan), Caden, Avery and Mackenzie Darula; her brother, Mike (Jutta) Romans; her sister, Rosie Torp; her sister-in-law, Judy Romans and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Tom; her daughter, Patricia “Trish”; her brothers, Oliver “Bud”, Stan, and Paul; and her sister, Patsy Cummings.

Gloria’s life was marked by grace, strength, and love. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Following her wishes, there will be no funeral service. She will be buried next to her beloved husband, Tom, on August 21st, in the Tipton Masonic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Geneva Lutheran Church, 301 S. Third Street, Geneva, IL 60134

To leave an online condolence for the family, visit the funeral homes obituary page at Fry Funeral Home, www.fryfuneralhome.com