Gloria Frankie Dailey McCandless

Gloria Frankie Dailey McCandless was born September 12, 1926, in Park City, Utah, to parents John Francis (Frank) Dailey and Hazel Marie McDonald Dailey. Gloria passed away November 7, 2022, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Gloria spent her childhood playing in the beautiful hills of Park City, at that time a diverse mining town where no one locked their door and neighbors took care of each other.

She attended Marsac Elementary and Park City High school, where she played the drums in the marching band. As a teenager she spent lots of time with friends at Pop Jenks soda fountain on Main Street. She loved to dance, especially the jitterbug.

Gloria married Drew (Dude) Gray McCandless in 1942. They established their home in Salt Lake City and raised three daughters, Lynette, LouDean, and Frankie. Mom said she married Dad because he was cute and had curly hair. They were married 57 years before he passed away in 2009.

Mom was a homemaker, but when her children were older she worked in retail at the S. H. Kress Company, The Paris, and then at A. B. Dick, and C. W. Steel.

Gloria was part of the “Greatest Generation.” She was on the home front during World War II when everyone worked hard, sacrificed, and became resilient as they faced daily challenges. When asked, “How are you mom?”, she would reply with a smile, “I’m terrific, but I’ll get better.” Or she would say, “Just go with the flow.”

Mom was the family storyteller and was always ready for a new adventure. She loved her family and had friends of all ages. She especially loved little children. She touched many lives with her smile and positive attitude. If someone needed a place to stay or a helping hand, they were always welcome at Dad and Mom’s home.

A sincere thank you to family members who lovingly cared for mom. Our appreciation to nieces, Annette Dixon and Nancy Broadhead, who always kept in touch, and niece Rickie McCandless, who made mom feel so loved. Thank you to Wendy Parker, who shared laughter and songs, and to the staff and residents of St. Joseph Villa for their care, kindness, and friendship.

We have shed many tears at the passing of our sweet mom but are overjoyed that she is now reunited with loved ones. Gloria is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She lived an amazing life and endured graciously to the end. She is now in God’s care as she continues her eternal journey.

Gloria is preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Thelma Burgener; sister and brother-in-law, Enid and Burgess Colemere; son-in-law, Ronald Eichers; grandson, Joseph (Joey) McCandless.

Gloria is survived by daughters Lynette Eichers, LouDean McCandless, Frankie McCandless; grandchildren Ronnie Eichers (Kristin), Lori McDougal (Curtis), Lisa Eichers, Kelli Newton (Merrill); ten great-grandchildren, and ten great-great-grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Sunday, November 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City. A family gathering will be held at 11:00 am Monday, November 14th at the same location. Interment will follow at Mt Calvary Cemetery, 275 U Street, Salt Lake City, Utah.