BENTON – Gloria Diane Fraulini, 82, passed away peacefully with her family by her side Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO.
Gloria was born September 30, 1942, in Beckley, WV, to the late William Coolock and Ann Kish. Her family later moved to Benton, IL, where she graduated from Benton High School. After graduating, she completed beauty school, worked as a carhop at the Band Box Drive In and was a long term employee for Walmart.
On July 8, 1961, she married Jerry Fraulini. The young couple started a life together near Chicago, IL, before moving back to southern Illinois. They were blessed with 3 beautiful children, Lisa, Jerri and Mike. The couple was married for almost 61 years, before Jerry passed away in 2022.
Gloria was a member of the Protection of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church in Royalton, IL. Her love for the Lord was evident by her faithfulness, love and compassion.
She enjoyed working for Sam Walton’s Walmart and loved her Walmart family. This is where she met her best friend, Carol Hall, who became like a sister to her. They enjoyed crafting and going on short adventures to musicals and local events.
Gloria enjoyed living on her family’s farm. She spent many hours taking care her yard by making sure it was landscaped beautifully with all of her favorite flowers. She spoiled each and everyone of her outdoor cats with all kinds of special treats. However, one cat named Mouse, won over her heart and became her treasured companion.
Above all, she loved her family. No matter what, she always put family first. She spent countless hours attending events that her children, grandchildren and great grand children participated in. Gloria was their biggest fan. She kept all of these memories bundled away in scrapbooks and photographs. She loved sharing all of her experiences and memories with her family, friends and even strangers.
Less than a year ago, Gloria was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer. She decided to undergo chemotherapy treatments, so that she could have more time to spend with her family. Her grandchildren, great grandchildren and her cat Mouse were her world and what kept her fighting to the very end.
Gloria is survived by her children, Lisa (Harry) Sauerhage of Benton, IL, Jerri Hethmon of Benton, IL, and Mike (Shelly) Fraulini of Ironstone, MO; 5 grandchildren, James (Sarah) Hethmon of Webb City, MO, Ryan (Rachel) Fraulini of Akin, IL, Michael (Micah) Fraulini of West Frankfort, IL, Ryan (Brandi) Sauerhage of Akin, IL and Whitney Sauerhage of Shiloh, IL; 5 great-grandchildren, Easton & Paisley Fraulini, Meryl Ore, soon to arrive Beckett Fraulini and Brantlee & Hadley Sauerhage; brother-in-law, Gene Fraulini of Everett, MA; nephews, Gene (Tia) Fraulini of Lynnfield, MA, and Wayne (RoseAnn) Fraulini of Stoneham, MA; niece, Cheryl (Joe) Bellante of Everett, MA; cousins, Kay Fraulini of Chicago, IL, Sandi Lauden of South Carolina, and Rick Philyaw of South Carolina; and many other cousins and friends.
Special friends: The Smith Family (Alex, Amanda, Alivia, Allie, Audrie, Alden), The Walters’ Family (Chris, Kate and Adeline), Ruth Walters and Ryan Bleichner.
A special thanks to all of the doctors and nurses at Barnes Jewish Hospital that had a part in Gloria’s healthcare, Father John for praying with her and all of her family & friends that took the time to help whenever they were needed.
There will be a graveside service at Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery on Saturday, May 31, at 11 a.m. A Celebration of Life will take place immediately after at Gwen Wynn Senior Center. All friends and family are welcome to attend.
For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.
