Gloria Ellen Waltman

Gloria was born in Everett, WA, shortly after birth Gloria was adopted by General and Eva Jones where they lived in Yakima, WA. Gloria attended Wide Hollow and Mt. View Grade Schools and graduated from West Valley High School in 1962. While in high school Gloria was affectionately nicknamed "Jonesy" and participated in many activities including Girls League, Library Club, Band, School Council, Lilac Festival and Ellensburg Band Day. Gloria was very active in music (piano and accordion being her specialties), dance from an early age, loved roller skating and horseback riding. Gloria was presented with a music scholarship from West Valley High School but chose to start a career instead of attending college.

In her early career, Gloria worked for KIMA TV, Sherwood Roberts Real Estate and Paulson Realty. During this time Gloria also taught music and formed a dance band called "The Rogues" where she played at many of the hot spots around the valley. Gloria soon met Bob Homan (affectionately known as Bobby Bear), an accomplished guitarist and singer. Gloria and Bob became a well-known music duo, that played around the Valley and Gloria's piano playing was featured on Bob Homan's music records.

Gloria met and married her first husband Fred Dennis in 1967, and she had her first daughter Kathleen. Her first husband passed away in 1968. In 1969 Gloria met and married Jerry Waltman, where they had two more children, Kevin and Colleen. Balancing a full-time schedule with family and work, Gloria decided to put her music career on hold and pursued her lifelong dream of working for the Yakima Police Department (Y.P.D.). Gloria worked full-time for the Y.P.D. for 28 years primarily as a City Clerk and dispatcher. She worked for another 15 years part time as the Secretary for the Detectives and Chief of Police. She was a beloved member of the Y.P.D. and took great pride in her work and the relationships she formed while working there. Alongside working for the Y.P.D. Gloria finished her career working for Christa McAuliffe Academy for 15 years.

Gloria and her husband Jerry owned a seventy-acre fruit ranch in the East Valley area where they raised their three children. On the ranch Gloria was able to expand her love for animals which often included dogs, cats, horses, cows, sheep, pigs, goats, geese, and even ostriches. Gloria had a deep affection for animals, which led to many funny stories, like bringing a calf back from a sale in a station wagon, stealing her beloved Doberman Pinscher (Max) back from an undesirable situation and having guard geese that would attack everyone except her.

Gloria's husband and kids were quite active in sports and although Gloria did not participate in sports herself, she was their biggest supporter. Often carting many kids to practice and keeping score for their games. Gloria always had an open door and allowed many friends and her kids’ friends to live at their house while in a time of need. She was a mother by extension to many, she loved them and provided for them as she would for her own children. The kids affectionately liked to tease and prank Gloria because she had a great sense of humor and always loved to laugh. She created a welcoming home, one where friends and kids felt comfortable and welcome.

Gloria was hired by the Trinity Nazarene Church in 1997 as a pianist. She was a dedicated active member of the church until 2020. Gloria and Jerry loved spending time at church social events. In 2010 Gloria met Steve Millen, an accomplished singer, songwriter and guitarist. They formed a music partnership affectionately known as "Steve and Gloria" which kept them productive and active until 2023. Their mission was to bring music of encouragement to those that need it most. Steve and Gloria's music career was steady, meaningful and brought a lot of joy to all those they played for. They were very well known around town, playing various “gigs” at senior communities, events, festivals, farmers markets and the Yakima State Fair.

Since 2020 Gloria lived at Orchard Park where she was able to live independently, meet new friends and continue her music. Eventually, Gloria moved into Highgate Senior Living. Gloria's Family would personally like to thank the staff at Highgate for creating a comfortable home for our mother in her final years, where she was loved, well taken care of, valued and treated with dignity. The staff went above and beyond to take care of our mother and family, and we are forever grateful for their compassionate services.

Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Eva and General Jones. Her first husband Fred Dennis. Her loving husband of 56 years, Jerry Waltman. She is survived by her three children Katherine (Chris) Jordan of West Seattle, WA, Kevin (Gloria) Waltman of Yakima, WA, Colleen (Erik) Johnson of Newcastle, WA, and her seven grandchildren Mitchell Boyd, Chase Boyd, Maddie Jordan, Kevin Waltman Jr., Blaine Waltman, Payten Waltman and Quincy Johnson.

Gloria loved her family and friends deeply. She was extremely proud of her kids and grandkids; she loved spending time with them and would attend all the events that she could. She was passionate about animals, especially dogs and horses. She was a very hard worker and took pride in her profession, setting very high expectations for herself. She was fearful of bees, leading to some funny stories like leaving her children in the car at an intersection because there was a bee in the car. She was adventurous and enjoyed activities like fishing, and whitewater rafting. She loved to travel; she had a fondness for the ocean and the beach and loved traveling to Westport and the Washington and Oregon coasts. She was an excellent driver and was remarkable at giving street directions. Gloria and her husband Jerry often enjoyed car trips traveling all over the state. She was a very accomplished musician and brought a lot of joy to others through her music. Gloria loved her condiments especially ketchup, tartar sauce and cool whip, and she was often lovingly teased as the "condiment queen". She was a compassionate person, often helping others. Gloria was often complimented for her smile and loved to laugh. She always wished happiness for others and did not want to dwell in sadness. Above all she was a caring mother and grandma who would have done anything for her family. Gloria will be missed but will forever be in our hearts.

Funeral Services will be held 0n May 1, 2025 at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home at10:00 AM. followed by a reception the burial at West Hills memorial Park.