Gloria A. Black, 71, of Independence, Kansas, died Tuesday (August 18, 2009) evening at her home.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday at the Lone Chief Cabin at Riverside Park in Independence, “Gloria said, Wear Jeans”, with the Reverend Cole Oursler, officiating. Cremation was under the direction of the Penwell-Gabel Webb & Rodrick Chapel of Independence, Kansas.

The family has suggested memorial remembrances to Hospice of Kansas and remembrances will be received at the funeral home.

Gloria Ann Black was born May 28, 1938 at Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur J. Black, Jr. and Gladys A. (Witte) Black. She attended Independence and Cherryvale schools, graduating from Cherryvale High School in 1956. She attended a journalism school in Chicago. She worked for the Wichita Eagle and the Kansas City Star and the local New Smyrna Beach newspaper. She retired as Executive Director of Retired & Senior Volunteers of Seminole County.

She was a lifelong member of the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) and was certified by the American Society of Agricultural Appraisers.

She is survived by her life partner, Ed Oursler of Independence; her mother, Gladys A. Black of Lakeland, Florida; a brother Arthur H. Black III of River Ranch, Florida; and a sister Liz Black of Lakeland, Florida.