Gloria Mae Edwards was born on August 30, 1934 to Rudolph Christian and Dorothy Mae (Clark) Bretzke in Mascotte, Florida. She passed away in Elk City, Oklahoma on March 18, 2025 at the age of 90 years, 6 months, 18 days.

Gloria was raised in Brighton, CO and graduated high school in 1952 in Brush, CO. After high school, Gloria worked for Mountain Bell in Denver, CO. She later transferred to Southwestern Bell in Oklahoma City, OK. While living in Oklahoma City, she met and married Joe Edwards on March 2, 1962 and to this union two children were born Sheila Ann and Connie Jo. They later made their home south of Sayre on the Edwards family farm. Gloria continued working for Southwestern Bell in Elk City, OK for many years. She enjoyed living on the farm and the country life. . Gloria and Joe separated in 1980 and she moved to Elk City. While living there, Gloria met her long time companion Gary Rains. Gary and Gloria decided to make their home in Colorado. Gloria continued her career with the phone company Mountain Bell and later AT&T. After 40 years of working she retired in 1995.

Gloria loved her family and friends. She was a great mentor and role model for many over her lifetime. She loved spending time with her family, especially when it came to her grandson Alfred who she helped raise . She was a very kind and sweet lady, often described as one of a kind, she will be missed greatly. Gloria was a huge animal lover. She had many animal companions over her life including Bella her Aussie mix. She loved spending her time outdoors, doing yard work and her favorite household chore was laundry. Gloria's favorite places to visit during her life were the Colorado mountains and the beaches of Florida. She also loved the farm moving back there in 2013 with her daughter Connie and grandson Alfred.

She is preceded in death by her companion of 20 plus years Gary Rains, infant daughter Sheila Ann Edwards, parents Rudolph and Dorothy Bretzke, brother David Bretzke, sister Beverly Roberts, niece Jane Armentor, and nephew Michael Roberts.

Gloria is survived by her daughter Connie Jo Edwards of Sayre, OK; grandchildren Aimee Gallagher and husband Tim of Elk City, OK and their son Christian, Blake Robbins of Denver, CO, and Alfred Edwards of Mustang, OK; many nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of friends.

Private

services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to any animal shelter in her name.