Gloria Straka

Gloria Helen Straka, 74 of Grants Pass passed away on Friday, August 29, 2014 at Fair View Transitional Health Center. A public viewing will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 from 1-4 p.m. at Stephens Family Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2014 at 11 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church. 909 NE A Street, Grants Pass, OR. 97526. Donations can be made to Calvary Lutheran Church, 909 NE A Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526. Reaching Our Community Food Pantry, 563 SW Foundry Street, Grants Pass, OR 97526. American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231. Gloria was born on November 13, 1939 in Whittier, California to Leslie and Phyllis Newton. She grew up in Brea, California. While she was in high school in 1955, she met her husband, George Straka and they were married 7 months later, on February 18, 1956 in Yuma, Arizona. After the birth of their daughter, she elected to be a full time mom. They moved to Fullerton, California in 1959 and purchased their first home in 1961. In 1963, shift work allowed her to work as a waitress at Knott’s Berry Farm Chicken Dinner Restaurant. In January of 1966, George accepted employment with the City of Concord and the family moved their residence there, purchasing their home where they lived for 32 years. While their children were in school, she worked as a crossing guard for the City of Concord for 4 years, and also participated in the Bluebird and Camp Fire Girls Program serving as a leader for 9 years. During this time, she also helped with the 4H program, in the rabbit section with her son. She then coached a girl’s junior optimist soft ball league team for several years. While the children completed high school, she completed her high school requirements at Mt. Diablo High School. She then went on to attend Diablo Valley College for 2 years. She re-entered the work force full time with Macy’s in the security department, then in sales for a total of 4 years. She then was employed by Navlett’s Florist as a floral designer for 3 years. During these years she was active in bowling leagues and activities associated with her husband’s work. In 1991 upon George’s retirement, she joined him in golf, traveling over the USA and being an active grandma. She enjoyed bowling, gardening, fishing, reading and leisure time with friends. In 1998, she and her husband moved to Grants Pass, purchasing their final retirement home in the Hugo area. Before her illness began its toll, she continued gardening and activities in church. Survivors include her husband, George J. Straka of Grants Pass, OR; daughter, Leslie Anne Straka of Grants Pass, OR; son, Stephen Straka of Lake Benton, Minnesota; 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her father, Leslie C. Newton in 1994; mother, Phyllis J. Newton in 2012; and brother, Gary Newton in 2012.