Gloria Lynn Glaser

Gloria Lynn (Omoth) Glaser

Her infectious laughter, abiding love, and enthusiasm for life, family, music, and dance, have affected all who knew and loved her. That was her gift to us and that gift will remain with us forever…

For three years Gloria battled hereditary ovarian cancer with dignity and immense bravery. She faced her prognosis without fear, and accepted with faith and optimism the prospect of spending her eternal life in the company of her parents, Jerry and Jean Omoth, and her big sister, Jeanine Omoth. Gloria passed peacefully at home in Bakersfield on Saturday, April 28, 2012 surrounded by her loving family.

Born June 27, 1958 in Minneapolis, MN, her family moved to Ventura, California the following year. In 1975 she graduated from Buena High School in Ventura, and from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, in 1981. On her dad’s birthday in 1984 Gloria married Ken Glaser of Ventura. On their third wedding anniversary they were blessed with their first son, Daniel, and then a daughter, Kendra. They have resided in Ventura, Creston, Paso Robles, Prescott Valley, Tehachapi, and finally, Bakersfield. She made many friends and touched many lives in every place they lived. Her immense love for her children reflected her pure heart as she generously supported their dreams and ambitions. An immodest soul, she loved to make others laugh, and laughed easily at herself.

Gloria and Kenny have owned and operated their food concession business for nearly 35 years, doing business at various fairs and festivals all over California. Most members of her family helped at one time or another, including her children who helped to make the family business a success. Aside from the family business, Gloria owned a dance studio and a lunch restaurant in Paso Robles. She then pursued her lifelong desire and earned her teaching credential. She touched the hearts and minds of many elementary and junior high school students by recognizing that not all students learn the same way.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Ken, son, Daniel, and daughter, Kendra, who bravely and lovingly cared for her to the end, and her sister Cindy Omoth, of Santa Rosa, who along with numerous relatives also contributed greatly in ensuring her comfort on her last days. Special appreciation and love goes to Gina Moore, Gloria’s closest friend and confidant who has been an immeasurable help to her and the family throughout her long battle. The family would also like to acknowledge Lee Ann Mitchell, who helped make Gloria’s final days the most comfortable they could be, and for helping the family when they felt at loss for answers.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Gloria’s name to FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered, for families with hereditary ovarian cancer, filling a critical need for research to develop better treatment, detection, and prevention options. Donations may be made online at www.facingourrisk.org

A memorial service will be held at 9AM on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at the First Methodist Church, 4600 Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93309, and private interment at Ivy Lawn Cemetery, Ventura, CA.

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