Gloria D. Gustafson, 77
Gloria Dawn Gustafson, 77, passed away at home with her husband by her side.
She was born to Howard and Thelma Thompson in Alturas, California, as the family was traveling to their home in Priest River, Idaho. She spent her early childhood in Priest River on her beloved grandparent’s ranch where so many fond memories were made.
When Gloria was in Junior high school, the family moved to Libby, Montana. She later traveled to Port Angeles, where she met Garry Gustafson, and they were married a year later at the First Methodist Church by Reverend Robert Rings on Aug. 14, 1965.
Gloria and Garry were blessed with three children: Sylvia, Darron and Colleen, and they recently celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary.
She was a dedicated loving mother who was always sewing, cooking, baking and canning her homemade specialties. She loved big family gatherings, camping at Kalaloch, clam digging, fishing and rockhounding. Gloria was a talented painter, crafter and poet.
In her early years besides being a busy mother, Gloria sang in the Gospel group “Heaven Bound” and was a member of Lighthouse Christian Center for 45 years where she sang in the choir and created many of the costumes for their cantatas.
When Black Diamond Fire Station was started, Gloria was one of the first six volunteers trained and received the highest score driving the fire truck. Gloria cooked for 4H camp at Lake Crescent as well as many church functions. She was a member of Black Diamond Grange for 25 years, and during that time she worked on several fair booths. Later, Gloria and Garry owned Clallam Grain and Garden Co. here in Port Angeles which she managed, enjoying the interaction with her customers.
After retirement, Garry and Gloria went South in the winter for 16 years, living in Lake Havasu, Arizona, for 12 of those years. Gloria always loved spending time with her grand and great grandchildren, the last one being born a week before she passed.
Gloria is survived by husband Garry; three children - Sylvia (Edward) Underwood, Darron (Jennifer) Gustafson, and Colleen (Ken) Anderson; her sister, Phyllis Stevens of Wenatchee, Washington; her brother, Ronald Thompson of Parkersburg, West Virginia; and eight grandchildren plus five great grandchildren.
Gloria faithfully loved the Lord, and, though she has gone to be with Him, she will always be remembered for her unconditional love and cherished in the hearts of her family. She will be dearly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at the Lighthouse Christian Center, 304 Viewcrest Avenue, Port Angeles, Washington.