Gloria Ann (Hiltscher) Royer - FUHS 1947

Gloria Ann (Hiltscher) Royer

While dementia overshadowed the last 10 years of her life, Gloria Ann Hiltscher Royer, 90, lived most of her life much differently. She was born August 8, 1929, to Herman and Dorothy Hiltscher. She was proud of the fact that her father was the first City Administrator in Fullerton. A favorite story was Herman asking city council for a raise. They countered and said they would name a park for him instead. Herman's response was only if you name it after my dad, August Hiltscher. Hiltscher Park, now Hiltscher Trail was developed.

Ann, as she was called by everyone, attended Ford Elementary, Wilshire Junior High and Fullerton High School, class of 1947. In eighth grade, a boy named Bruce Royer, rode his bike from Orangethrope to her house on Jacaranda to take her to the movies. They married in 1951.

Together, they gave their children a wonderful childhood. The beach, Colorado River, camping in Tahoe and house boating at Lake Powell and Shasta created childhood memories for their three children. When Bruce decided to start his own business, Royer Landscape, Ann was there to support him.

Ann was member of the Fullerton Junior Assistance League, P.E.O., Golden Hill PTA and the First Presbyterian Church in Fullerton. Bruce and Ann had an active social life in Fullerton as Sunny Hills Raquet Club members, Fullerton Junior College football boosters and organizing Fullerton High School Pow Wow reunions. Ann was a supportive wife, a good mother, a loyal friend to many and an active volunteer in Fullerton.

 Ann passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 12, 2020. Predeceased by her husband, Bruce, parents and a brother, Donald Hiltscher. She is survived by her children: daughter Laurie Swank and husband Gary, son Rod Royer and wife Christine, and daughter Robin Craig and husband Paul; six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

The Royer, Craig and Swank families wish to thank St. Simon Home for the Elderly in Yorba Linda and Vitas Hospice for the care of our mother and 'Grammy'. We invite you to attend a service for Ann at the First Presbyterian Church, 838 N. Euclid Ave. Fullerton on Friday, January 31st at 2:00 pm. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the , Orange County, .

Published in Orange County Register on Jan. 26, 2020