Gloria Thomas Gilmore Hunt Obituary (1947 - 2019)

1947 ~ 2019 “The keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; And he employeth no servant there.” II Nephi 9:41 Gloria Myra Thomas Gilmore Hunt embraced the Keeper of the Gate as she passed from mortality on January 25th, 2019. All who knew her bear witness that she was met with His smiling approbation: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” Gloria was born July 20, 1947, the second child of Marian Peterson Thomas and Madison Hayball Thomas. She grew up in Salt Lake City, attended Olympus High School, worked several summers at Bryce Canyon Lodge in southern Utah, skied, danced, sang, studied the piano, and was the kindest sibling one could hope for. In 1971, Gloria married Scott C. Gilmore and together they made their greatest contribution to the world in raising Britta Gilmore Barney (Gavin), Stewart Gilmore (Jenn), Nathan Gilmore (Meagan), and Myra Gilmore Payne (Anthony). As her children reflect: “She was eternally patient, long suffering, and ALWAYS thinking of others and caring for others. She lived the example of pure charity and we loved helping her deliver meals to ill neighbors and secretly leaving clothing and food on the doorstep of those in need. She was informed, involved, dedicated, loyal and a vessel of service.” Despite many other accomplishments, Gloria’s greatest delight and pride were her loving children and her adored grandchildren, now numbering eleven. Gloria studied French at the University of Utah and to hone her language skills, worked as a nanny in Brussels, Belgium for a year. She graduated from the U. with a Bachelor of Arts in French in 1970. Returning to the University of Utah years later, she pursued and received a masters and a doctorate in Languages and Literature, French Emphasis. During her studies, she was awarded the Steffensen Cannon Scholarship for “strength of character, intellectual and academic achievement as well as leadership and other qualities evidencing a desire to pursue excellence.” She received her Ph.D. in 2002. Also in 2002, she was selected as the French radio announcer for curling at the Salt Lake Winter Olympics. She taught French, German and Spanish at various locations across the United States including: Waterford School, the University of Utah, Westminster College, University of Minnesota and Concordia College. Gloria was a professor at Utah Valley University from 2006 to 2015 and served as French Coordinator in the Languages and Cultures Department. She loved introducing her students to the joys of French literature, great art, Camembert cheese and divine pastries as she led the study abroad program to Nice and Paris. One of the many students who loved learning from Gloria asked if she could line her up with her grandfather. David J. Hunt and Gloria were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in 2007 and spent loving years as preface to their eternity together. Lifelong, Gloria lived as a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. She loved Him, she testified eloquently of His redeeming atonement, and she served Him faithfully in His church. Even when disabling illness rendered the service difficult, she delighted in worshipping Him in His temple. Words were some of Gloria’s best life-long friends. With heartbreaking irony, they abandoned her as Alzheimer’s disease progressively eroded her capacities. Blessedly, her period of greatest frustration (mind intact but unable to express its insights) lasted “only” a few years. Over recent months, her caregivers who never knew her brilliance described her as “a delight, and so sweet and kind.” She wanted all to know how much she appreciated their gentle ministering during her decline. The hospice care she received blessed us all. Gloria leaves this world better for the twinkle in her eye, her compassion, her legacy of language taught with passion, her devotion to family and to her Savior. Joining in welcoming her through eternity’s gate are her beloved parents, brother Daniel, daughter Britta, and countless others who love and adore her. As much as we will miss her, we know she is where we all yearn to be reunited. Adieu, sweet friend, we will see you in the Morning. Funeral Services will be Saturday, February 2, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the Valley View 3rd Ward located at 1925 E. Gunderson Lane, Holladay, Utah. Viewings will also be at the church Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Saturday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Interment: Logan City Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.