Gloria Jean Holdsworth was born in Atchison, Kansas in 1936. She died April 11, 2022 in Lindsborg, Kansas. Her creative and caring spirit lives on in her husband, Eugene, sons, Kevan (Cathleen), Brian (Jenni) and Daryn (Kristen), and grandchildren, Cale, Keir, Jasmine, Stephen, Anastasia, Sophia and Joshua. Gloria lived a faith-full life serving others. Her husband and pastor were at her bedside singing “Jesus Loves Me” when she died.

Gloria was born to Harry and Effie (Freeland) Force and raised by her uncle and aunt Arthur and “Stella” Estelle (Freeland) Tulk, in Horton, Kansas. A graduate of Horton High School, Gloria was a member of the National Honor Society. She received her B.A. in music from Bethany College in 1958 and her B.S. in education from KSU in 1966. Gloria taught elementary school in Miltonvale, Gypsum, Horton and Lawrence, Kansas. Gloria met Eugene Irl Holdsworth at Bethany College where they shared a love of music and theater. The couple was married on October 25, 1958. In 1970, they settled their family in Lindsborg, Kansas, where Gloria has left a legacy of creativity and caring for people.

Gloria was the office secretary for the Bethany College Athletic Department for many years. She went on to work for several businesses around Lindsborg, greeting customers and listening to their stories. Gloria volunteered at Bethany Home, visiting and reading to residents and operating the Happy Cart, and she was a visiting volunteer with Hospice of Salina for nearly twenty years. She participated actively as a member of: Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lindsborg; the Bethany Oratorio Society; and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. Gloria was an Election Board worker with her husband. She never met a stranger.

A memorial service, with reception to follow, will take place at 1 p.m., on June 11, 2022, at Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lindsborg.

Gloria’s family encourages memorial gifts be made in her name to Hospice of Salina or to any organization that values creativity and care for people.

Ryan Mortuary, Salina, is handling arrangements.