Gloria Irene Bricker, 90, entered the glorious gates of heaven on September 16, 2026, at the HopeWest Center after over five years of hospice care. She was born on June 23, 1936, in Trenton, Nebraska, in her grandpa Isaac’s basement, a daughter to the late Clyde and Irene Matson.

Gloria had six siblings: Neioma (Meguire), Wyona (Shackleford), Joe and Jake, and twin infant sisters—all deceased and waiting to greet her at her eternal home. Growing up in Nebraska, Gloria lived on a farm where she and her siblings worked hard side by side in the fields. She graduated from high school in 1953 when she was 16 years old.

Gloria went on to become a nurse, and it was while working in a hospital that she first met her future husband, Ronnie Bricker. Ron had been in a car accident, and Gloria was his nurse. Later that year, when Ron was on leave from the Army, they began dating.

On July 3, 1959, Ron and Gloria were married in Stratton, Nebraska. A few years later, in 1961, Ron and Gloria had twin girls who did not survive. Although heartbroken, Gloria always referred to the twins as her angels, watching over their family. In 1962, their oldest son Scott was born, followed by their son Craig 16 months later in 1963, and their son Jeff 14 months after that in 1964. Their youngest son Mike was born five years later in 1969.

Ron and Gloria raised their boys in Hayden, Colorado, where they owned and operated Hayden Lumber and Supply. They loved to travel in their motorhome, taking trips to Canada and Mexico, where they made many lifelong friendships. Ron and Gloria stayed in Hayden until 1997, when they moved to Grand Junction.

During this time, Gloria became “Grammie,” a title she held in high esteem. Gloria was always there to help and spend time with her grandkids. She shared her love of cooking, games, shopping and playing bingo. Her grandchildren cherish many memories: breakfast at her house before school (she made the best French toast), all of her delicious homemade food, her joy in having family gatherings, her love for serving others, trips in the motorhome, her welcoming heart, her enjoyment of playing games (Yahtzee, cribbage, cards), and just visiting. She never forgot a birthday and never said goodbye without a “Love you.”

Gloria continued to create memories with the next generation when she became a great-grammie. She loved teaching them all Old Maid, telling stories and stocking her pantry with an abundance of treats.

Gloria never missed a chance to create cherished moments and experiences that will be treasured and handed down for generations to come. Gloria was a wonderful cook and shared many recipes in her 90 years, but her greatest recipe was how she lived her life. As 1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” Gloria definitely loved well.

Gloria is survived by her beloved husband of 67 years, Ronnie Bricker; her sons, Scott, Craig, Jeff (Debbie) and Mike (Ann); eight grandchildren, Katelin Hinton (Tyler), Jake Bricker (Gina), Madison Stastny (Trey), Max Bricker (Miranda), Garrett, Megan, and Emily Bricker and Alex Richardson (Stephen); 12 great-grandchildren, Crew, Nola, Camp, Pepp (Stastny), Hollin, Haines, Honey (Hinton), Abram (Bricker), Rylen and Avalyn (Richardson), Murphy and Beckett (Bricker).

A private family memorial will be held at the Veterans Cemetery on October 1. An open house will be held afterwards at 4:30 558 Serenade Court, Grand Junction, CO.

Gifts in her memory can be made to HopeWest.