Gloria Ruth Jennings

Gloria Ruth Jennings was born on October 2, 1927 to John J. and Ruth M. Lynch in Rawlins, Wyoming. Although she lived in Colorado, Oklahoma, Montana, Texas, and Calgary Alberta, Canada as the wife of an oilman, her heart never left her native state. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Many of her most colorful tales and fondest memories revolved around her membership in Kappa Kappa Gamma at the University of Wyoming. Gloria married Howard E. Jennings in 1950. When he was recalled by the Airforce to active duty in the Korean War, Gloria moved with her husband to San Antonio for the duration of the conflict. In May of 1952 she gave birth to her only child, Lynn, who survives her. Always the reluctant trailblazer, Gloria moved to Austin after the dissolution of her marriage and took on the role of single parent. Through the most trying of times she instilled in me her love of music, learning, and Horses. When I left for college, mother happily inherited my spot at Pool's School of Horsemanship where she honed her riding skills and developed strong friendships with her "horsey buddies". Rhoda, Belle, Annie, Ginger, Chicken and mother spent many hours yakking and lunching at Captain Boomer's after a morning of riding and horses. Mother spent the majority of her working life teaching in AISD: first at St. Elmo, then Highland Park, and finally at Doss Elementary. She defined herself through her teaching and to the end remembered and was proud of her students and career. She was able to deliver "The Look" to the last, a "look" that could stop any unruly student (or daughter) in our tracks. Gloria passed away on December 9, 2008. She insisted that there be no funeral nor any formal memorial service. She did give her permission for a gathering (party) of friends at the farm among the horses she loved so dearly. This will be scheduled for a later date. Mother was predeceased by her parents John and Ruth as well as by her sister Martha L. Petersen. In addition to her daughter, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Finally, Gloria's friends and family so appreciate the continuity of care and support afforded by the staff of Angel Heart Hospice. Thank you also to all of the workers at South Austin Care and Rehabilitation for your creativity, skill, friendship and genuine concern for my mother's well-being. Remembrances to Animal Trustees of Austin or the Town Lake Shelter. Happy Trails, Mommy!