Glendora was born on September 7, 1927 in Upland to the late Rev. Noah E. and Edith C. (Byrd) Grile. She passed away on October 29, 2018 in Miller’s Merry Manor, Marion. She lived in Grant County for most of her life.
Glendora was a graduate of Jefferson Township High School, Upland. A little known fact about Glendora is that she briefly lived in Bradenton, Florida while traveling with the circus. She was quick to point out that she wasn’t an acrobat but she was employed as the circus bookkeeper! After returning home she was employed with Local Finance that was located on South Washington Street in the South Marion Business District. While spending many of her lunch hours at Berger’s Drug Store she met William P. Berger, Jr. and they later married on November 29, 1952. Together, with Glendora’s in-laws, they owned and operated Berger Drug Store and as entrepreneurs engaged in many business developments throughout the years. Glendora was an active business woman and kept books for their farm and other properties until her health declined.
Glendora was a faithful member of St. Paul Catholic Church where she was a church greeter and participated in the Rosary Society. She was active with the St. Paul Widow’s Group and enjoyed her friendships very much. She also volunteered with St. Martin Community Center. Glendora was a true lady of fortitude, independence and determination-nothing kept her resting and she was always on the go. Her loving charm and grace touched many people.
Glendora is survived by her two children, William P. Berger, III, Indianapolis; Susan Berger (Dr. Michael R.) Hamrick, Bryson City, North Carolina; sister, Byrdie Mae Grile Smith; sister-in-law, Phyllis Sue Broome Grile; grandchildren, Sean J. Williams, Lexington, Kentucky; Brice P. Williams, Las Vegas, Nevada; step-grandchildren, Patrick M. Hamrick, Gastonia, North Carolina; Alex R. Hamrick, Asheville, North Carolina; dear friend, Shirley McCullam.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William P. Berger, Jr.; siblings, Marcella Rose Grile Moorman, Virgie Marie Grile Kinney, Ernestine Catherine Grile St. John, Wynona Ruth Grile, Anna Frances Grile Toler, Paul Edward Grile, James Albert Grile, Gerald Wayne Grile, Merrill Layne Grile, Carol Blane Grile, Richard Wilmont Grile and Jean Ann Zeigler Grile.
The funeral mass will be celebrated at noon, Friday, November 2, 2018 in St. Paul Catholic Church, 1031 Kem Road, Marion, Indiana with Rev. Christopher Roberts officiating. Visitation will be held in the church from 10am until 11:45am on Friday. Owen-Weilert-Duncan Funeral Home, Marion Chapel, 2722 South Washington Street, Marion, Indiana was entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to St. Paul Catholic Church or to the Community Foundation of Grant County, 505 West 3rd Street, Marion, Indiana 46952.