Gloria M. Garate

Gloria M. Garate, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on September 5, 2026, in Independence, Missouri. Born on April 7, 1941, Gloria lived a life defined by strength, compassion, generosity, and an unwavering devotion to the people she loved.

Gloria was a strong and independent woman with a wonderfully giving heart. She was the kind of person who never met a stranger and who found meaning in caring for others. Throughout her life, she gave freely of herself, often putting the comfort and happiness of those she loved before her own.

Yet perhaps Gloria’s greatest legacy can be found in life’s seemingly small moments—the everyday acts of love and kindness that became treasured memories for her family. She understood that love did not always need to be expressed through grand gestures. Sometimes it was found in a meal waiting after school, a favorite treat shared together, a welcoming home, a thoughtful word, or simply being there when someone needed her.

Those small moments became some of her family’s greatest memories.

Gloria carried a quiet strength throughout her life. She faced life’s challenges head-on, with determination and courage. To those who knew and loved her, she was a “Superwoman”—a silent warrior whose strength was matched only by the size of her heart.

Above all else, Gloria treasured her family.

She was the daughter of Myrtle M. and Robert R.

Gloria is survived by her sisters, Hazel Johnson of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Juanita Plott of Weaubleau, Missouri.

She leaves behind her loving children, Terri Dunlap of Grain Valley, Missouri; Tammy Robbins of Independence, Missouri; and Robert Garate of Grain Valley, Missouri; Connor Garate, and Jacob Garate, of her home in Independence, Missouri.

Gloria also shared a special place in her heart and later in life at the grand age of 69, she opened her heart again as Mom with the adoptions of Connor Garate, 15, and Jacob Garate, 14, of Independence, Missouri. Jacob Robert held the affectionate name “J.R.” from Gloria—a small but lasting reminder of the personal bonds she created with those she loved.

Her family also includes her original grandchildren, Celeste M. Dunlap of Pleasant Hill and her husband (Gloria’s Grandson by affection) Collin King and her loving grandson who she is now with in Heaven, Anthony Robert Dunlap (1/3/1997-06/27/2016)

Her Sons-in-law, Terry D. Dunlap of Grain Valley, Missouri, and Kenneth Robbins of Independence, Missouri; her grandchildren, Chris Robbins of Independence, Hudson Dunlap, 12; and her great-grandchildren,; Remington Dunlap, 13; Jade Robbins, 13, Matthew Robbins, 12; and Jayden Robbins, 11.

Gloria was also a cherished aunt to her nieces and nephews, Kim Keightley, Kathy Edwards, Alice Smallmon, Kenneth Plott, and Michael Johnson. She held a special place in the lives of her extended family, and the love and memories they shared with her will remain a treasured part of her legacy.

Gloria’s family will remember not only the years they were blessed to have with her, but the countless memories she created within those years. Her love, lessons, strength, and caring spirit will continue through the generations of the family she cherished so deeply.

While her passing leaves an emptiness that words cannot fill, there is comfort in knowing that a life filled with love does not end with goodbye. Gloria’s presence will remain in the stories her family tells, the traditions they continue, the lessons they pass along, and the simple moments that suddenly bring back the memory of her smile.

Her family will carry her love forward.

And in doing so, a part of Gloria will always remain with them.

Memorial Service

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Gloria’s life on Friday, September 11, 2026, at:

Royer Funeral Home

100 Royer Lane

Grain Valley, Missouri 64029

Visitation: 2:00–3:00 PM

The family will receive friends during this time.

Funeral Service: 3:00–4:00 PM

Interment: 4:00 PM

Gloria M. Garate lived a life measured not simply in years, but in the love she gave and the lives she touched. Her family will forever remember the strong, caring woman whose open heart transformed life’s smallest moments into some of its greatest treasures.

Rest peacefully, Gloria. You were deeply loved, and you will be deeply missed.

Obituary submitted by the family

Arrangements by Royer Funeral Home in Grain Valley, Missouri