Gloria Darlien May

Gloria Darlien May of The Dalles died, January 27th, 2024, at the age of 91. She was born March 23rd, 1932, in Boy River, Minnesota to John and Helen (Aldrich) Newman who named her after the actress Gloria Swanson. She was the 3rd of 5 children. The family moved to Oregon during the Depression and eventually settled in Hermiston. Gloria met Gale May while working in the artemisia fields and they were married 6 weeks later on August 1, 1949. They celebrated 73 years before Gale passed in 2023.

Gloria was a ‘stay at home’ wife who was a devoted mother and grandmother caring for her family. Gloria and Gale became snowbirds following Gale’s retirement from Pacific NW Bell for 30 years and split their time between Bouse, AZ and their home in The Dalles. She loved sewing and quilting, and everyone received a handmade quilt. She also loved to crochet and embroider. She was an avid bowler, baseball fanatic and an enthusiastic pinochle player.

Survivors include their four children: Darlien and Darrell France, Galen and Laura May, Keith and Christina May and Kerry and Jim Benson;

10 grandchildren: Mitch France, Chad Walter (Patty), Todd Walter (Melisa), Valerie May, Evan May (Nikki), Art May (Kate), Chuck May, Andrea Benson-Reed (Lamar), Marisa Benson, Morgan Benson (Sean);

7 great-grandchildren; and sisters-in-laws: Nancy Newman, Opal Dee Miller Timmel, Millie May; and double cousin Elaine Lindquist; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Graveside services will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery for immediate family. A Celebration of Life service will be held April 6th at noon at Spooky’s in The Dalles.

Spencer, Libby and Powell Funeral Home are in care of her arrangements.