Gloria Wood, a native of Arizona, went to Chandler Schools, was a cheerleader at Chandler High School, and graduated second in her class in 1948. She then went to Arizona State University where she majored in education. She went on to become a teacher and then found her true calling and that was building her empire, or should I say family. She married the love of her life in 1951, Jarrell Wood at 21 years old. Their journey started by moving to Hawaii where her husband was based in the Air Force, they learned to rely only on each other and there they had their first child. Then moved to Austin, Texas, having their second child, and then back to where their story began, Chandler, Arizona. Here they settled down, planted family roots and adding four more children to the bunch. Gloria stood by Jarrell and raised a family, never leaving each other’s side.
She enjoyed simple things, never complained, and never thought of herself. She kept busy. Reading the paper, doing crossword puzzles, watching the baseball games or the Young and the Restless, baking bread, and gardening. She loved walking and being outside.
Gloria is survived by her husband, Jarrell of 67 years, 5 children, Anne Wood, David Wood, Penny Farmer, Brad Wood, and Mike Wood and their spouses, along with 8 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. She joins her late daughter, Jeri Lynn Albin and her dear sister, Sue Riggins for a game of continental rummy and some chocolate cake at heavens gates.
“Thou she be but little, she is fierce” quoted by Shakespeare. This strong woman leaves a legacy for us all to cherish.
Services to be held on Friday, December 21st @ 10am at Valley of the Sun Mortuary.
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