Gloria Jean Liddicoat

Born October 19, 1943 to Hazel Louise (Jones) Kusma and Clarence Benjaman Kusma.

Gloria Jean Liddicoat cherished her childhood in the Kiowa, Elizabeth, and Castle Rock areas. She graduated from Wasson High School in Colorado Springs in 1961 and married Laurin Keith Liddicoat that August. Together, they raised three daughters: Lorie Kim Liddicoat, and twin daughters Cheri Lee Rule and Geri Lyn Liddicoat.

Throughout her career, Gloria worked in various industries such as textiles, brewing, auctions, and agriculture, always in bookkeeping or accounting roles. She also dedicated many years to serving on the Brighton Coop Credit Union Board.

An avid animal lover, Gloria had a special fondness for horses and dogs, particularly Norwegian Elkhounds. Her first Elkhound, Krista Bell, sparked a passion for showing and breeding these dogs. She founded KG Elkhounds, producing numerous champions and award-winning dogs. Even winning Best in Specialty Show (BISS) with a home bred and owner handled dog, KG’s Playboy. Gloria was an active member of the Colorado Kennel Club and the Columbine Norwegian Elkhound Club, contributing to various committees.

Gloria’s daughters’ interest in rodeo led her to become a well-known “rodeo mom.” She supported the Golden High School Rodeo Team and was involved with the Colorado High School Rodeo Association, using her accounting skills to help make ends meet to keep her girls on the rodeo circuit.

Later, Gloria pursued her dream of showing a halter horse at the National Western Stock Show. Through some horse trading, she found a promising young horse and went on to win Grand Champion at the NWSS. This achievement also allowed her to compete at the inaugural AQHA Select World Championships, where she earned a Top 15 placing with her horse Love to be Cool (Darby). Gloria’s involvement in AQHA and the Rocky Mountain Quarter Horse Association, brought her many friends and fond memories.

Her spirit was amazing and generous, her smile lit up the room, her laugh was delightfully silly, and she possessed a sharp and witty sense of humor. Above all, Gloria cherished her role as a mother and considered her daughters her greatest accomplishments.

On August 12, Gloria suffered a fall that resulted in a broken hip. Despite surgery, she faced respiratory complications and, after a long and challenging battle, passed away October 4, 2024 with Lorie and Cheri by her side.