She was born on July 1, 1927 in Portland to parents, Lawrence Elsworth and Velma Nunn Everton. Gloria was raised in Yakima, Washington. She married Leo Elmer Riesland and they had a son, Gary L. Riesland on July 2, 1946, one day after her 19th birthday. They divorced 6 months later. In 1950 she moved to Wallula, Washington where she worked as a switchboard operator for Union Pacific Railroad. Gloria moved to Hermiston in 1952 and worked for Union Pacific Railroad as a clerk/crew dispatcher until retiring in 1987. During that time she also worked part-time at the Midway, Cozy, & Union Taverns. Gloria loved to volunteer at the Hermiston Senior Center, Red Cross Blood Drawings, and the Maxwell Siding. She was a member of the Eagles Lodge 2909 since the early 1950’s, UPRR Old Timers where she served as president a couple of times, the Red Hatter’s, and the Chicken Foot Gang. Gloria enjoyed playing cards, Bowling, word search puzzles, and traveling.
She is survived by her son: Gary Riesland & his wife Darlene, Hermiston, OR; granddaughter: Erin Scoggins, several cousins and many co-workers and friends.
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and a sister: Valline Peny Beddo.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Burns Mortuary Chapel in Hermiston.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
