Gloria (Pedersen) Sparrow, 91, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 27th at Edgewood Vista.

Gloria was the youngest of 5 children born to Mabel and Henry Pedersen. She grew up on a farm near Juanita, North Dakota where she attended school in a one room school house until she went to Carrington High School. There she met and married her husband of 51 years, Bill Sparrow.

Gloria and her family lived in multiple places before moving to Spearfish in 1969 to take over Sparrows Bakery and raise their family of 5 children.

Gloria worked as Bookkeeper for the bakery, but her most important job was raising her children. She spent her time as Den Mother and 4-H Leader for many years, teaching cooking, sewing, crafting and many other skills. She was an incredible seamstress, always making holiday outfits for her daughters as well as herself. Eventually, she would be putting those skills to use for her 12 grandchildren.

Gloria remained active in the community until recently by volunteering with the Hospital Auxiliary and playing Bridge multiple times a week, both at the Senior Center and with friends. She was also a long-time member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church which she had attended since 1969.

Gloria is survived by her five children: Len Sparrow of Spearfish, SD, Craig (Cynthia) Sparrow of Spearfish, SD, Julie (Craig) Thompson of Kansas City, MO, Monica (Steve) Cunningham of Scottsdale, AZ, and Sara (Mack) Welch of Belle Fourche, SD; and 12 grandchildren–Samantha Sparrow; Ashley, Ryan, Lauren, and Elaina Sparrow; Rachel, Seth, and Lucas Thompson; Shannon and Clark Cunningham; and Rogan and Landi Risseeuw. She is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and her husband Bill Sparrow. She will be greatly missed.

Family will gather for a small graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Spearfish, SD.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Spearfish Senior Center in her memory.

Arrangements are under the care of Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapel of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at https://www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com/