Gloria Eloise Upshaw, 88, passed away peacefully January 23, 2015 in Helena after an extended illness.
Born December 28, 1926 on the family homestead north of Chinook, Montana to Albert M. and Gurene Erekvam Skoyen, Gloria was the fourth of five children. Gloria attended country elementary schools and graduated from Chinook High School in 1945. After graduation Gloria worked as a clerk and secretary in Chinook and Havre.
On Mother’s Day May 9, 1948 Gloria married the love of her life, Joseph Weldon Upshaw at the American Lutheran Church in Chinook. Joe and Gloria had three sons, Dale, Gary and Eugene. In 1961, Joe accepted a full-time position with the Montana National Guard and the family moved to Bozeman. In addition to raising three sons, Gloria was active in Women’s Circles at Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman and was the church secretary.
In 1969 Joe accepted a promotion with the Guard and the family moved to Helena. For several years Gloria worked in the photography department of the Montana Department of Highways.
During these years and beyond, Gloria was a wonderful mother with a tender heart, modest yet fun personality, and tremendous love for family. She excelled as a homemaker, working hard to keep the home spic-and-span while being a fabulous cook, baker, gardener, canner, seamstress, and more. Her pies, cookies and pastries were the finest (especially the Norwegian varieties) and the pantry was always full of canned fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies of all kinds. Legend was that the boys never ate store-bought bread until high school.
In Helena, Gloria was active in Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church Women’s Circles and Prayer Circles. For many years she supported the annual Bake Sale Bazaar fundraisers, where her lefse was always the biggest seller. She rolled as many as seventy-five pounds of potatoes annually for lefse.
After Joe’s retirement in 1980, Gloria and Joe had many fun and busy years together filled with
caring for the home and garden, hobbies, visiting family and grandchildren, volunteering, travel, and enjoying countless good times with their dear Helena and Montana friends.
Gloria and Joe always maintained their home well. They had a new deck and additional garage built in 2001, and then painted the whole house together that year at ages 81 and 75. Uffda they said! Never again!
They enjoyed golf, playing cards with friends, Our Redeemer’s activities, Son’s of Norway parties and dances, American Legion, and all that Helena and Montana has to offer. Their door was always open for friends to drop in for a cup of coffee and a piece of cake or pie.
For many years, Gloria and Joe both volunteered at the Montana Military Museum and the Thrift Shop at Fort Harrison, and also hosted the 163rd Infantry Regiment (WWII) annual picnic in the back yard.
Joe and Gloria always enjoyed traveling and taking road trips with friends around Montana and the western states. For several years after Joe retired, he served on the AARP National Legislative Committee and the Montana Board of CPA’s. Gloria traveled with him to meetings in many larger cities across the country, and they often added some days on their own to see the sights and explore the countryside. They were also blessed to travel on some military hops and take trips and cruises on their own, visiting many incredible places around the globe.
Gloria was a special person and lived a wonderful life. Her sweet disposition and beautiful smile will be missed by many.
Gloria was preceded in death by Joe, her loving husband of 62 years; parents Albert and Gurene Skoyen; brothers Arthur, Albert Jr. and Lester Skoyen; sister Iola Lee; and grandson Joseph Evan Upshaw.
She is survived by sons Dale and Eugene of Helena; son Gary and wife Jane of Federal Way, WA; grandchildren Jennifer and Curtis Upshaw of Wenatchee, WA; granddaughter Erica and husband Damon Austin of Laguna Beach, CA; great-grandson Max Austin of Laguna Beach, CA; and many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Touchmark, Big Sky Healthcare Community, St. Peter’s Hospital and Medical Group, our many Helena friends and our relatives for their support and love for Gloria and our family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gloria’s name to Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 Benton Avenue, Helena, MT 59602. Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Gloria.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 am
Friday May 8, 2015
Our Redeemer's Lutheran
3580 N Benton Ave
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following Celebration of Life
Friday May 8, 2015
Our Redeemer's Lutheran
3580 N Benton Ave
Helena , Mt 59601
Graveside Service
3:00 pm
Friday May 8, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Mt
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 am
Friday May 8, 2015
Our Redeemer's Lutheran
3580 N Benton Ave
Helena , Montana 59602
Reception
Following Celebration of Life
Friday May 8, 2015
Our Redeemer's Lutheran
3580 N Benton Ave
Helena , Mt 59601
Graveside Service
3:00 pm
Friday May 8, 2015
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Fort Harrison, Mt
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Allan Stricker says
Gloria was a great and gracious lady – always a wonderful hostess. I have nothing but the greatest respect for her and wan to extend my warmest thoughts and condolences to the family.
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Gloria and Joe were without a doubt the best neighbors we have ever had! Gloria was such a gracious woman always and we’ll always remember her beautiful Swedish Tea rings at Christmas. Gary, Gene and Dale, please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time, you’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Travis Smith says
Great and gracious are words spoken about Gloria. I worked with Gloria in the Photo Unit at the Highway Department from 1971 to her retirement, a great and gracious lady. I would love to meet Gloria’s family at the services planned this spring as I have a story about Gloria that I would love to tell. I’m sorry for your loss, Travis Smith
Tara Popp says
Gloria will be dearly missed. I was honored to know her and Joe, even though I did not know either of them long. Both were great, kind, and loving people. My heart and prayers go out to the family and friends. God bless.
Sue Wahl Vivrette says
Gloria and Joe were wonderful friends of my parents Roy and Grace Wahl. They had many adventures together over the years and because of that I have fond memories of Gloria and Joe. They were four of the most active “greatest generation” people I knew. Dad and Joe were in the 41st Division together and mom and Gloria worked in the thrift store while the men worked in the museum together. They had many reunions over the years with all the 163rd guys and we always loved the stories! My sincere condolences go out to the entire family of both Joe and Gloria.