This is the story of Gloria Lee (Seagoe) Jepsen. Gloria was a wonderful woman that was loved, is missed, and will always be cherished. Gloria was an amazing wife, mom, daughter, and grandmother.
Gloria's story starts on August 7, 1948. Gloria was born in Spokane, WA, and was the second child, behind her older brother Jimmy, to Richard David Seagoe and Myra Faye Hickey. Richard was a U.S. Air Force Master Sergeant and a Veteran of WWII. When Gloria was a small child, Richard and Myra moved their children to Fairfield, CA, where Gloria's younger sister, Gayle, was born. In 1950, Richard was called to action as a crew member of a B-29A Superfortress Bomber for the Korean War. On June 1, 1951, Gloria tragically lost her father. Richard was missing in action and was presumed dead while bombing a railroad bridge.
After Richard's death, Myra moved her small family to Blythe, CA, and then to Phoenix, AZ, where she met her second husband, R. D. Jones. In the late 1950's, Myra and R.D. moved their family to Wickenburg, AZ and gave birth to Gloria's youngest sister, Kathy. Wickenburg is where Gloria would spend the rest of her childhood, grow up, make many lifelong friends, and go to school.
In 1966, Gloria gave birth to her daughter, Sharlotte, and in 1968, to her son, Eric. Shortly after her son's birth, tragedy struck Gloria, again, with the death of her mother. Before her mother died, Gloria made a promise to her mother to finish her college degree and to keep her family together. With Gloria's two young children in tow and fulfilling her promise to her mother, Gloria finished her college degree at Arizona State University and began a career in teaching.
In 1980, Gloria met the love of her life, Ron Jepsen, and his young daughter Kelly. Gloria and Ron had a blossoming romance and were married on November 7, 1981. Together they raised their three children in a loving and nurturing home.
Gloria's proudest moments were when her grandchildren were born. Gloria's grandchildren were her heart and joy--there's no denying that! Her grandchildren--Olivia, Alex, Ava, and Aubrey--were the people that she loved the most. Time spent with Grandma was very special for her grandchildren.
Gloria was an avid reader and dancer. Since she was a young girl, Gloria was in love with L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. She loved the book and would watch the movie over and over. She collected Wizard of Oz memorabilia. A quote for Baum's work that epitomizes Gloria's life was "A heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others."
Gloria was known for her generous heart, infectious smile, and her kind and compassionate spirit. Gloria was a beloved and active member of the Wickenburg community. She spent most of her life teaching young children and spreading her love of books. She also spent countless hours volunteering for different organizations, working at her church, and giving to the community. Most notably, she worked with others to save the Wickenburg Public Library.
Gloria will be lovingly remembered by her husband of thirty-seven years, Ron, and her children, Sharlotte, Eric, and Kelly. Gloria will also be forever remembered by her four grandchildren, Olivia, Alex, Ava, and Aubrey, by her sisters, Gayle and Kathy, her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Gloria was predeceased by her brother Jimmy.
And so the story goes on until we see our beloved Gloria again. We love and miss you.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Friends of the Wickenburg Public Library in Gloria's name.
A Celebration of Gloria's Life was held on Monday, December 31, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church in Wickenburg.