White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Gloria Fern Bantz, 79 years old, of Aurora, Colorado, formerly of Independence, Iowa, died on Friday, September 9, 2011, at the University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado.  She was born on June 28, 1932, the daughter of Virgil Sylvester and Pearl Fredricka Marie Schlumbohm Colton.  She graduated from high school in Independence, Iowa.  On September 3, 1950, she and Dan Ronald Bantz were married at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence, Iowa.  He preceded her in death in 1995.  Mrs. Bantz enjoyed camping, casino gaming, and socializing with her friends.  She was also a quilter and made crochet prayer shawls.  She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence.

Mrs. Bantz is survived by 3 sons, Ron Bantz of Independence, Iowa, Russell (Wendy) Bantz of Wilton, Iowa, and Royce (Vanese) Bantz of Maynard, Iowa, 1 daughter, Rhonda (Jim) Fisher of Aurora, Colorado, and her former daughter-in-law, Char Bantz of Independence, Iowa.  She is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, 1 brother, Gordon (Monette) Colton of Independence, Iowa, and 2 sisters, Geri Pizzato of Scottsdale, Arizona, and Elaine (Ralph) Matteson of Big Springs, Texas.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, 1 infant son, Ricky Bantz, and 1 brother, Sylvan Colton.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 16, 2011, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Independence with Pastor Tom Jones officiating.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Thursday, September 15th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence.