Gloria Jean Miller passed away on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the age of 81, surrounded by those who loved her. Gloria was a resilient, loving, and fiercely capable woman, a true jack-of-all-trades whose strength, generosity, and humor left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Born on August 19, 1944, in St. Elmo, Illinois, to Joseph and Dorothy Severns. She was the second born child. From an early age, she carried a strong sense of independence and determination that followed her throughout her life.

Gloria was a hardworking woman who loved to work and took pride in showing up and doing what needed to be done. Over the years, she wore many hats, including dance teacher, bank teller, City Market clerk, and running multiple Gopher and C&F gas stations throughout the Western Slope. Through her work, she met countless people along the way, many of whom became lifelong friends. She had a natural gift for conversation and connection, knew how to work a room with ease, and made people feel welcome wherever she went. To many, she was simply known as “Mom,” a name she carried with pride and warmth.

Her greatest joy was her family. Gloria is survived by her eldest sister, who was also her best friend, Karen Coursey, as well as her children, Richard (Kim) Reedy, William “Clay” Reedy, and Donella Nicole Bouska (James Whittard); her grandchildren, Rhiannon Bouska (Adam Kramer), Chantelle Bouska, Chyna Reedy, Cole Reedy, and Aaron-Jean Reedy; and her great-grandchildren, Kaianessa, Dawson, Brycen, and Colson, each of whom brought her immense pride and happiness. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, along with lifelong friends who became family.

Gloria was the kind of person who would give the shirt off her back. She cared fiercely and was always willing to help anyone in need. She showed up for her family in every way, through laughter, conversation, music, and presence, making sure they always felt loved and supported. Gloria participated in her church choir and sang at many friends’ weddings throughout the years. Music was always part of her life. She loved classic country, especially Merle Haggard and Patsy Cline, and she always let her grandchildren play their own music in the car, happily jamming, singing along, laughing, and making memories together.

She was a wonderful homemaker who poured love into everything she did. Gloria sewed dresses, baked birthday cakes for her children, and prepared meals for friends and family during the holidays. Her home was a place of warmth and comfort, and her famous Mexican hamburgers at family gatherings were always requested.

Gloria showed up for her family no matter what. She was fiercely independent and could build sheds, use power tools with ease, and fix things around the home. If she did not know how to do something, she researched until she could do it herself. She truly seemed to know how to do just about everything.

In her spare time, Gloria enjoyed playing pool, mahjong, and poker and was known for being a very lucky gambler. She loved trips to Mesquite and Las Vegas, often shared alongside her sister Karen. In her younger years, she enjoyed traveling and living abroad, spending time in Cebu in the Philippines, as well as in Hong Kong, China, and Mexico.

A self-described fiery, stubborn redhead, Gloria had a great sense of humor. She loved making jokes, striking up conversations, and laughing with everyone around her. She had a way of making people feel comfortable, included, and at home, leaving every room brighter than she found it.

Gloria’s hard work was her legacy. She believed in showing up, doing what needed to be done, and caring for the people she loved. She worked her entire life not just to earn a living, but to provide, to care for others, and to create stability for her family. That dedication showed up in the holidays she made special, the home she kept running, and the traditions she created through time, effort, and love. Holidays in her home were not just dates on a calendar, but moments filled with warmth, laughter, food, and togetherness. She believed in opening her home and making sure no one ever felt left out.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Dorothy Severns; her brother, David Severns; and her daughter, Jodha Reedy.

Those close to Gloria will carry her legacy forward. Her work ethic, strength, generosity, and love will live on through the memories she created and the lives she touched.

Gloria wants everyone to know, “I will see you later.”

There will be a Celebration of Life for Gloria Jean Miller on Saturday April 4th, 2026 at 12:00pm at Riverbend Park in Palisade, Colorado.