Gloria Joy Ruhl Senik left this earth at the age of 88 to be with the angels on May 5, 2023, after a battle with dementia. She leaves behind devoted husband Jack, loving daughters Lori, Kim and Julie, cherished grandchildren Breanna and Brenden, and great-granddaughters Cassidy and Camille.
Gloria truly embodied her middle name of “Joy”. Her light shone bright on those around her, whether friends, family, strangers, acquaintances or dogs. Her sweet nature, joyful spirit and generous personality were her trademarks. She gladly opened her heart and home and made a lasting impression on everyone she knew. It was only fitting that her middle name live on in her granddaughter Breanna and great-granddaughter Cassidy.
Born in Fort Morgan, Colorado to Reinholt and Amelia Ruhl in 1935, Gloria Joy spent her early days with her father, mother and older brother Rick, who she adored. She delighted her hometown as a young girl with her many tap-dancing performances. She enjoyed spending time with her German relatives and learned several traditional recipes she would make for years to come for her family.
After moving to Southern California when she was eight years old, the family planted roots in San Pedro where Gloria made lifelong friends. She played piano for many years, which ignited a love for music that spanned her entire life. She joined many choirs at almost every church she attended, and her unmistakable alto voice graced Sunday services for decades.
Little did she know when she decided to attend UCLA after high school graduation, her destiny awaited. She met the love of her life, Jack, at a freshman dance that was hosted by senior girls. One of them nudged Jack, a Lambda Chi, to ask Gloria to dance. At the end of the night, Jack walked Gloria back to her housing, which wasn’t a sorority house. This prompted Gloria to pledge Alpha Phi later in the year so they could be in the same social circle. Their romance bloomed all through college and culminated in marriage in August 1957, when she happily became a Marine Corps wife.
Gloria proudly supported Jack as he rose through the Marines Corps ranks. After many moves that included Southern California, Virginia and Kansas, and the birth of three daughters, the family eventually landed in San Clemente which Gloria considered home. Life in the Shorecliffs community was full: spending summers at the neighborhood beach club, becoming active members of San Clemente Presbyterian Church, raising her daughters, being a dog mom, working part-time at the Hallmark store, and spending time with her ever-growing circle of friends. She was glad to be near her dad, brother and brother’s family and enjoyed many visits with them. Jack achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel at Camp Pendleton and eventually retired.
A new adventure was on the horizon, though, when Jack’s civilian work brought them to the Santa Barbara area several years after retiring from the Marines Corps. Living in the beautiful Santa Ynez valley was a special experience. When Gloria and her shih tzu Missy Pepper would wander the streets of the Danish village of Solvang, passersby couldn’t help but stop and greet the adorable duo. As always, Gloria was quick to make friends and expand her social circle, both in the neighborhood and her church. She enjoyed many visits from family seeking a serene getaway, including her dad, mother-in-law, daughters and grandkids.
It was the desire to be closer to family that eventually brought them back to Southern California and the community of Ocean Hills in Oceanside where Gloria lived out the rest of her days. As always, she and Jack became active in the local church, and they made new friends in their neighborhood. They took many trips to Maui during this time, and it became a treasured destination filled with fond memories. Daughter Julie accompanied them on many of their Maui vacations. They continued to cherish spending time with family, especially their grandchildren who lived close by.
Health issues during the last decade of her life curtailed her activities, but never daunted her spirit. No matter what, she was always quick with a hug, smile and laugh. And a bowl of ice cream.
We will always remember the joy that Gloria Joy, aka “Slow Glo” and “The Bunny,” brought to our lives, and her presence will always be felt. A light has gone out on Earth, but Heaven is certainly brighter.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023, at 1:00 pm in Oceanside, California at Eternal Hills Memorial Park, 1999 El Camino Real. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an animal rescue or Alzheimer's/dementia organization.
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