Gloria Ann Horner

Gloria Ann Horner passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at the age of 92. Gloria was born on August 1, 1934, in Redding, California, to Melba May (Mitchell) and Ivar Muirhead Benneche. She attended Pine Street Elementary School and graduated from Shasta High School, both in Redding. She spent 89 years of her life in Redding before moving to Chandler, Arizona, where she resided for the last three years.

Gloria met the love of her life, Harold, when he moved to Redding from Red Bluff, fresh out of the Navy. They were married on August 24, 1957, and shared 68 wonderful years together.

During high school, Gloria began her working career as a sales clerk at F.W. Woolworth's department store in Redding. When her daughters were young, she worked from home as a transcriptionist for court reporter Joseph "Irv" Wiseman. She later worked for many years as a clerk in the Shasta County Clerk's Office before accepting an administrative assistant position with the law offices of Halkides & Morgan. She eventually joined the California Department of Justice, where she worked until her retirement in 1994.

Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold Horner, who passed away on April 30, 2026; her parents, Melba (Mitchell) and Ivar Benneche; and her brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Kay Benneche.

She is survived by her three daughters, Kathy (Dale) Hughey-Kositzke, Tammie Spiker, and Linda Underwood; grandchildren Shawn Hughey, Trevor Underwood, and Jennifer Spiker; great-grandsons Joshua Bollinger, Walker Hughey, and Alex Hughey; and great-great-granddaughter Willow Hughey.

Gloria enjoyed golfing in her younger years and was a member of the Tucker Oaks Ladies Golf Association. She was also very involved with the Redding Elks Lodge, where she helped organize and work many functions alongside Harold, including the monthly Rib Nights that he oversaw. She dedicated 29 years to serving as membership coordinator for the Redding Elks Traildusters RV Club. Gloria also remained active with her Shasta High School graduating class reunion committee over the decades, maintaining friendships and connections throughout the years.

Travel was one of Gloria and Harold's great joys. Together they explored much of the North and Southwest in their fifth-wheel trailer, making several cross-country trips as well as traveling to Canada and Mexico. Gloria also made multiple trips to Adelaide, Australia to visit relatives on her father's side of the family. Her adventures included several river and ocean cruises, trips to Hawaii and throughout Europe, and four memorable trips to Italy with her daughter Linda.

Some of Gloria's fondest memories were made during the annual summer camping trips with the Horner, Stanley, and McCoach families. The tradition began at Buckhorn Lake, where eight girls and no boys spent their summers camping without electricity or running water. The trips later moved to Patrick's Point in Trinidad, California, and eventually to Harris Beach State Park in Brookings, Oregon. This special family tradition continued for more than 50 years, creating countless memories and lifelong bonds.

Gloria and Harold were devoted San Francisco 49ers fans. They held season tickets for 42 years, often making the four-hour drive on Sundays to cheer on their team. Their dedication even took them to three Super Bowls. Being part of the 49er Faithful was a passion they shared for many years.

After moving back to Redding in June 2026 and settling into Hilltop Springs Independent Senior Living, Gloria embraced her new surroundings and enjoyed staying active and meeting new people. She especially loved playing BINGO, participating in water aerobics, attending Happy Hour, and playing Bunco and Rummikub. She treasured the friendships she made and the many activities that kept her busy.

Gloria also enjoyed keeping her mind sharp, spending time playing solitaire on her phone and working crossword puzzles with pen and paper.

Gloria lived a full and adventurous 92 years, surrounded by family, friendships, and countless memories. She will be remembered for her dedication to family, her community involvement, her love of travel, her enthusiasm for life's activities, and the many friendships she treasured along the way. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.