Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that’s as independent as they were – in the Daily State News and BayTobayNews.com. Share fond memories, photos and information on celebrations of life using our easy, step-by-step process.
Gloria F. Saatman passed away on October 1, 2026 at Bayhealth Kent, surrounded by loved ones. Gloria was born in Davy, West Virginia, on November 4, 1941, to the late Howard and Eliza Marshall.
Gloria was preceded in death by both her parents and her siblings Nellie, Greenville, and Bonnie, as well as her niece Tanya and her nephew Charlie. She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Ronald C. Saatman of Hartly, and her daughters Rhonda (Ryan) of Hartly and Cindy (Brian) of Wyoming. Her grandchildren Heather (Mike) of Dover, David (Katie) of Clayton, Justin (Jen) of Hartly, Juliana (Trent) of Rock Hall, MD, Elizabeth (Kia) of Hartly, and Ryder of Huntington, PA; great-grandchildren Glen, Mikell, Izzy, David, Addilynne, Alexandria, Lily, Tate, Tilly, and Tinsley. She is also survived by 16 nieces and nephews, and over 20 great-nieces and great-nephews located across the country.
Gloria left home after graduating from Welch High School in 1958 and moved to Washington, D.C., to become a switchboard operator for the telephone company. She spent many years working for the telephone company before dedicating her life to raising her children and giving back to the community through both the church and the fire service. She also spent many years caring for firehouse and neighborhood children while their parents worked.
Gloria dedicated her life to multiple organizations, including the DelMarVa Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, LADVFA, and 58 years with the Hartly Vol Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary, where everyone affectionately called her “Mama Gloria.” When she wasn’t at a fire company event or function, she supported the Telephone Pioneers and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, or at St. John’s Lutheran Church, helping in the preschool or Vacation Bible School. In later years, she also supported the Hartly United Methodist Church in those same ways.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Trader Funeral Home, 12 Lotus Street, Dover from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m., with services directly after. Interment at Sharon Hill Cemetery will take place directly after the services. The family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations in Gloria’s name be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church.
