Gloria J. Sawtell

Gloria Jean Sawtell (79) of Sutherlin, Oregon, passed away on December 30, 2023 in Yuma, Arizona. She was born in Grants Pass, Oregon, on February 12, 1944, the daughter of Herman Tooley and Evelyn Brain. Gloria was raised in California and attended Analy High School in Sebastopol, California.

The direction of Gloria’s life would change forever in the mid 1970’s when she met her future Husband, Richard Sawtell in Lacey, Washington. The two would Marry and establish themselves in Sutherlin, Oregon. They cherished family time with their six daughters.

Gloria had a competitive passion for bowling, competing in a local bowling league. She loved spending her days gardening, hosting family dinners, camping, visiting the casino and playing solitaire. Gloria’s greatest pleasure was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who she was tremendously proud of. Gloria spent many hours on the phone with her children, ensuring they were living their best life.
Many of Gloria’s days were spent with her “Thelma and Louise” partner in crime and dear friend Cheryl Thompson. Gloria made it a priority to stay in contact with her life-long friends, Sharon Hale-Jones and Dale Jones. Gloria’s life story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning her loyal and affectionate dog Shelly Jean.

Gloria and Richard were just 3 months short of celebrating their Golden Anniversary. They built a family legacy together that will be carried on for generations.

She is survived by her loving Husband of 49 years, Richard Sawtell, three Daughters; Dana Sawtell, Christi Sheppard (Mike), and Alicia Russell all of Sutherlin, Oregon; three Stepdaughters, Charlotte Lee, Vicky Sawtell and Pauline Ortmann of Washington State. Gloria is also survived by Sister, Edie Geist (Paul) of Shasta, California, three Brothers, Richard Wilde (Lorraine) of Yuma, Arizona, Bobby Horner and Gerald Horner of Redding, California and Son-In-Law, Shane Jordan (Erica) of Arkansas. Gloria is survived by sixteen Grandchildren, Christopher, Skyler, Dustin, Jesse, Breann, Tyson, Nicholas, Peyton, Michael, Justin, Nicholas, Jeremy. Shayleene, Zachary, Nicole, Cheyann and one great-grandson, Brae. Gloria has numerous nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Herman Tooley and Evelyn Brain, two sisters, Phyllis York, Janice Renfree, and Grandchild Allison.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Pastor Bryan of Wellspring Bible Fellowship. Services will be held on Saturday January 20, 2024 at 1100am at Wellspring Bible Fellowship in Roseburg, Oregon.