Obituary of Gloria C. Kuula

Gloria C. Kuula May 26, 1924 to April 6, 2008 Gloria passed away on Sunday April 6, 2008 at St. Joseph Hospital after complications resulting from a stroke earlier last year. She was born in New London, Ohio to Harold James and Mary “Alda” Clay. She was the youngest of 4 children. Her mother and father preceded her in death, along with her brother Bob Clay and wife Margaret, and nephew Charles “Chuck” Clay. She leaves behind her husband John of Lacey; Brothers Bernard & (Jane) Clay of Michigan and Keith & (Gladys) Clay of Indiana, Nephew Jim & (Chris) Clay of Bellingham; as well as numerous nieces, and nephews from both of the Clay and Kuula families. She was raised in Hillsdale, Michigan where she graduated from high school; attended college in Chicago then graduated from Stout State College in Wisconsin with a major in Home Economics. It was there she met and married her husband John E. Kuula, Aug. 13, 1949. She began her teaching career in Northern Wisconsin. She and John then moved to Seattle where she worked a short time at Fredrick & Nelson Dept. store. Their next move was to Mossy Rock where Gloria taught for 4 years, and then she and John relocated to Lacey where Gloria accepted various teaching positions at North Thurston High School for about 13 years. Next she did some short term teaching at Chinook and Nisqually Jr. High schools and finally taught Home Economics at Timberline High School till her retirement. Her attention then focused on lovingly caring for her mother. She and John were active members of the Friendship Force where their love of travel took them to many countries. Gloria’s favorite places to visit were Finland, Russia and Japan. She enjoyed meeting and hosting new friends and families from many faraway places. Some of those were Europe, England, Chile, Taiwan/China and Australia, not to mention lots of places in the U.S.A. She and John also traveled to and attended several Elderhostel’s. She was involved with the Kawania’s Ladies as well as Retired Teachers Assoc. She was passionate about her cooking, canning and baking. Good nutrition was high on her list of favorites; however, she always had time for a little chocolate indulgence. She had varied interests including her love of shopping, enjoyment of the fine arts, as well as spending time at their condo on Long Beach. Through the years there were several well-loved 4-legged friends (named Susie, Jo-Jo, and Oulu) whom she loved to spoil and they in turn lavished her with love and attention. She enjoyed her homes at “Thompson Place”, “Old Port” and “Vista Village” where she was “Queen of her Kitchen” and entertained graciously. During her last months at Mother Joseph she retained her marvelous sense of humor and appreciated the loving staff that so graciously cared for her. We will all miss her greatly! To leave a condolence, please click on View Guestbook below: