Gloria Nikes 1949-2025 St. Joseph, Mo.
Gloria Nikes, 76, St. Joseph, passed away peacefully from her earthly home to be joined with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Gloria was born on Aug. 30, 1949, in St. Joseph, the oldest of four children to the late Leo and Elizabeth (Mejia) Valencia.
She was a 1967 graduate of Bishop LeBlond High School. After high school Gloria attended technical school followed by 35 years in the IT field. It was her strong work ethic and self-reliance that laid the foundation for her professional success.
Gloria married Steve Nikes on April 4, 1970. Together they raised their three children who were their pride and joy and remained lifelong partners until Gloria's final day. Gloria’s one true passion in life was her unassailable commitment to the health, success, and well-being of her children. In her eyes, their happiness and success translated directly into her own feelings of happiness and success as a mother.
Throughout her life, Gloria was known for her fierce independence, unflinching courage, and unwavering love and commitment to her family and friends. Her desire to volunteer to serve the poor and less fortunate was a matter of great importance and serves as a lasting testament to Gloria's character as a loving and caring individual. Gloria was a lifelong member of the Catholic faith. She was an advocate of Catholic education and volunteered at the St. Francis Food Kitchen. Whether through volunteering or assisting and enabling others’ success, Gloria approached each day with purpose and heart.
Gloria was also an avid sports fan and could always be spotted cheering on her children, siblings, nieces, and nephews from the sidelines, and was always their biggest and most devoted supporter. That said, it was Gloria’s unquestionable love, loyalty and support for the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish that also occupied a primary place in her heart. She grew up rooting for the Fighting Irish and considered South Bend, IN, her second home. Going to ND football games with her family, attending mass at Basilica of the Sacred Heart, and offering her prayers at the Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes were just a few of her cherished Notre Dame traditions.
In addition to her dedication to her faith and love of sports, traveling was another one of Gloria's passions. While she was always excited at the opportunity to travel to new destinations, there were a few places she loved returning to again and again. Topping that list is Cabo San Lucas, undeniably her favorite place for making new memories or revisiting old ones with those she loved and cherished most.
In addition to her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Marcus and Cruz Valencia, and maternal grandparents, David and Soledad Mejia.
Gloria is survived by her three children, Steve Nikes II, Darcy Nikes and Lanie Nikes-Massenburg (Tony); life-long partner, Steve Nikes; sisters, Kathy Ziolkowski (Gary), Lynn McMillian (Jim); brother, Richard Valencia (Trish); grandsons, Kamden Brown and Jordan Massenburg; nieces and nephews, Amy Ray (Court), Gary Lee Ziolkowski (Angie), Taylor McMillian (Elly), Cole McMillian, Erin Hathaway, Molly Thaler and Patrick Valencia and numerous great nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. Interment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be held after 10 a.m. on Tuesday,, Dec. 30, at Heaton-Bowman-Smith & Sidenfaden Chapel, where a Rosary will be held at 6 p.m. The family will receive friends following the Rosary until 8:30 p.m.
As a reflection of Gloria’s vibrant spirit, guests are encouraged to wear colorful attire.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial donations to Bishop LeBlond Scholarship Fund.
