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Gloria Robertson, 83

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Gloria Ybarra Robertson 83 of Globe, passed away on July 9, 2020 in Globe, Ariz.

She was born March 25, 1937 in Globe, Ariz. to Seferino Ybarra and Espiridona Reyes Ybarra. She is preceded in death by her husband Richard Armand Robertson.

She is survived by her two children Paul Ybarra Robertson and Gloria Jean (Jeannie) Robertson. Three grandchildren, Candace Wheeler, Bethany Stauffer and Jordan Robertson. Seven great grandchildren, Tristan Stauffer, Adrian, Layla and Dayton Villegas, Holly and Hannah Wheeler and Sonny Padilla.

She enjoyed Bible studies, going to the movies, fiestas, festivals and shopping at local shops, taking elderly people to lunch. She was a Toastmistress in the 70’s.

After graduation from GHS in 1955, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps, (WACs). She met a handsome soldier named Bob in San Francisco and were wed shortly after. They remained married for almost 60 years until his passing in September, 2018. They spent time in Germany where Bob (Richard) was stationed.

Paul and Jeannie came a few years later and she was a member of the PTA at Noftsger Hill School. She was passionate about civil rights and taught her children about the plight of Cesar Chavez and the farmworkers making us stay up late to paint posters for his rally at Miami High School in the early 70’s. She even made us boycott grapes and lettuce.

As her kids grew older, she really spread her wings and held varied jobs. She got her Realtor License and was an agent for Copper Realty in Globe, a Legal Secretary, first for Legal Aid in Globe then for the law firm Cahill and Ham. Later, she worked for DES in San Carlos for a time, at the Mines for ICCCo and Pinto Valley as a secretary and was involved in the Mining Auxiliary. She was busy with The Democratic Society and a Precinct Committee Member. She was instrumental in the memorial dedicated to Bunchy Guererro at the Gila County Courthouse.

Gloria was a devoted deaconess in her Seventh Day Adventist church and a Chaplain in the American Legion for many years.

Although she was so versed in many areas of employ, her heart strings pulled her into service for others as evidenced by the countless agencies she graced. Through the years she worked with so many charities and organizations that it is possible one might be left out. There was Gila Aging Services. She took meals to the elderly as an ombudsman. (CAP) The Community Action Project. She was most passionate about Right to Life Arizona and was active here in Globe. She had so looked forward to the march in Phoenix but she was sick for a while and missed it. Most notable, however, was her time at Pinal Gila Council for Senior Citizens. In this capacity she advocated for elderly in Long Term Care and Nursing Homes. She loved her little old friends who so looked forward to her weekly visits. She was a CHAMPION for senior’s rights and a fierce advocate against ageism. I am told by her supervisor Rebecca that my mother was the longest volunteer she ever had, 27 years! She was also an Americor Vista volunteer.

So, it is plain to see that my mother was an advocate for all human lives, from before they were born right up until the time they will once again be reunited with their loved ones and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.