Gloria Nadia Glute

1945 – 2026

Gloria Glute (née Rurka) of Red Deer, Alberta, formerly of Verigin, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully on March 1, 2026, at the age of 80.

Gloria was born in Lamont, Alberta and grew up in Edmonton. She was the first of four children welcoming her brother Richard when she was 5 years old, her sister Betty (aka Randee) at age 6 and her youngest sister Margaret when she was 10. She graduated from Jasper Place high school. After finishing high school, she worked at the Hudson Bay’s Department store in downtown Edmonton. She saved her earnings to travel with her cousin, who was also named Gloria. Among the destinations they visited were Hawaii and New York, these trips sparked her lifelong passion for travel.

In 1967 she met Michael Glute in Edmonton, and in less than a year they were married. Shortly after they moved to Saskatchewan, where they would raise their family on a grain and cattle farm.  The city girl had to learn all about the workings of a grain and cattle farm and how to maintain an extensive vegetable garden, an overwhelming feat for sure. To her kids it seemed she knew how to do everything, and if she didn’t know how she took a class or found someone to teach her and she made it look effortless.

She had a quiet personality but had an infectious laugh. She was always there to teach, guide and support, letting us learn at our own pace but was always willing to jump in to help or provide advice when asked. She taught us the importance of family, the importance of friendships, and the importance of helping others. Gloria loved to be surrounded by family and friends and enjoyed hosting many dinner parties and barbeques. It always seemed we had someone extra at a meal, and she loved to have them.

In 1995 Gloria and Mike took the opportunity to move back to Alberta, a promise that was made many years prior and decided to settle in Red Deer.  Being perfectly situated between Edmonton and Calgary – where her children lived and where grandchildren would follow – this location allowed her to spend cherished time with them and to watch them grow. She didn’t miss an opportunity to care for her grandchildren, attend their sporting events or dance recitals or just to lend a hand to her kids.

Gloria enjoyed travelling, whether it was a cruise, a beach vacation, golfing vacations in British Columbia, or simply camping in their RV with the grandchildren, all of which brought her great joy.

Throughout her life, Gloria worked in several roles, but her greatest joy came from creating. She was an exceptionally talented seamstress, starting with her high school home economics project where she made a green dress with a crinoline for her little sister Betty, that Betty adored.  She was known for sewing beautiful custom garments including many graduation and bridesmaid dresses, and drapery. She also loved baking and decorating cakes, generously sharing her talents with family, friends, and her community.

Gloria will be lovingly remembered by her devoted husband of 57 years, Mike; her children, Trent (Heather) Glute, Tara (Jason) Langlois, and Tricia (Sheldon) Koenigbaur; and her seven cherished grandchildren, Austin, Mackinley, Zoey, Madisyn, Alyssa, Owen, and Tia, who brought her immense joy and pride.

She is also survived by her brother, Richard (Donna) Rurka; her sisters, Randee Rurka and Margaret (Brad) Pluim; her sisters-in-law, Darlene (Bob) Famulak, Bernadette (Don) Gabora, Leona (Zennon) Shambel, and Christine (Stan) Byblow; as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Stan and Mary Rurka; her parents-in-law, Metro and Anne Glute; and her nephew, Dean Gabora.

We would like to thank the Hamlets of Red Deer, specifically the staff in the Memory Care units that cared for Gloria over the last 3 years as she battled Alzheimer’s disease. The kindness and compassion that was provided to her and our family will not be forgotten.

A church service and Celebration of Life will be held on April 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Red Deer, Alberta.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Gloria to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, #306, 10430 61 Avenue Edmonton, AB T6H 2J3, or through their website at https://secure.e2rm.com/p2p/fundraising/367659/participant/5603558/en-CA.

Condolences to Gloria’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Gloria Glute” in the subject line.

 

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944

 

 

 

 

• Date : 2026-03-01
• Location : Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, Red Deer AB "Locally Owned"