Gloria S. Mendoza "Bubby" Joels-Hewitt, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on Monday, February 23rd at the age of 85. Gloria was born to Victor Mendoza and Gloria Speaks in New York, NY on November 20, 1940. Her parents parted shortly after she was born, and "Dodie" as she was affectionately named, went to live with her maternal grandparents Stanley and Myrtle Speaks in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her grandmother taught her to sew at an early age, which sparked Gloria's lifelong passion for the craft. As a child, when inspired, she would design and sew new clothing pieces to wear to school the next day. She graduated from Marquette Catholic school in 1958. Shortly after, she married Ronald W. Mckinney. From her first marriage, she had her oldest children, Carey and Arther McKinney. She later learned Cosmetology and worked as a hairdresser. She then got a job in the wig department at Oertle's department store, where she met the love of her life, Robert M. Joels. They went on to get married, have two additional children, Samuel M. and Andrew C. Joels, and spent 46 years together. Gloria managed to raise 3 boys, who believed they all were the favorite. She spent the years schlepping her kids to and from Hebrew school, tee-ball, soccer, gymnastics and track. After raising her own children, Gloria and Bob, found themselves raising their grandchildren, Thomas and Victoria Williams from the time they were babies during their retirement years. Later in her life, Gloria cared for her husband Robert, for many years until his death in January 2017. After Bob passed, she moved to Bella Rose senior living apartments where she met Chuck Hewitt. After a brief courtship, they got married, moved to an assisted living facility until Chuck's death in February 2025. Susan, Gloria's caregiver and friend helped Gloria through Chuck's passing and the struggles of dementia.

Affectionately known as "Bubby", she is survived by her son, Arther McKinny and wife Roberta, Son Samuel Joels and wife Jennifer, son Andrew Joels, all of Tulsa Oklahoma; 9 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband Robert M. Joels, after 46 years of marriage and later by her husband Chuck Hewitt, with whom she shared 5 years; her daughter Carey Ramsby; her sister Suzanne Bassett; and her parents Gloria Spear and Victor Mendoza.

Graveside Service is Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at 1 PM, at Rose Hill Memorial Park Cemetery (Old Temple Section).

Fitzgerald Ivy Chapel, 918-585-1151.