Gloria Ann Stroup

Gloria Ann Stroup was an energetic woman who lived her life full of joy and adventure. Being very sociable, she made friends easily and organized many gatherings that made life fun for everyone. Gloria was a loving wife, caring mother and thoughtful neighbor. With her quick wit and sense of humor, it was as if she went through life with a constant smile on her face. Gloria was born during the decade of the Roaring Twenties when Jazz was hot, Vaudeville was going strong, and the Grand Ole Opry began broadcasting on the radio. Flapper fashions invaded the social scene and women entering the work force wore ready-to-wear dresses with no waistlines and their short hair tucked under hats. This world of independence and flare would welcome one of its own when Gloria Ann was born on September 2, 1926 to William and Maude (Marsden) LeBoeuf of Muskegon, Michigan. She was the sixth child in a family that grew to include three boys and four girls. While Gloria's mother remained at home with the children, her father supported the family through his plumbing trade. Already showing a sense of adventure at age four, Gloria tried to accompany her father to work one day. Without him knowing, she hopped on the running board of the car. She traveled some distance, hanging on to the side as passers-by waved to get her father's attention. Thinking they were just being friendly, her father merely waved back. When he finally discovered his little stowaway...well, let's just say it was the last time Gloria ever tried such a stunt. Gloria and all her brothers and sisters attended St. Jean 's Catholic Schools, elementary and secondary. Gloria completed the 10th grade, but the part of school she enjoyed most was summer vacations at the beach. Her love of sun, sand and surf remained into adulthood when she and her daughters made the beach their summer home. Gloria and Sue Ann, Roxanne, Sheila, and Gina created a life that was warm and welcoming. Gloria loved her family and especially enjoyed holiday get-togethers. When Fred Stroup became part of the family, Gloria had found a companion for life. The two met at Muskegon Moose Lodge - perhaps not surprising because they were both professional bartenders. They were perfect for each other; his easy-going nature balanced out her intensity. When they were married on May 16, 1966 it was the beginning of a thrilling venture. Because they both loved people and travel, they often combined the two into parties and trips. Every year Gloria and Fred chartered a bus and invited friends to travel with them to various destinations. With Gloria organizing everything down to the finest detail (including their expenses for hosting) and Fred acting as MC, each trip aboard Fred's Fun Bus was great entertainment for everyone. Whether with friends or by themselves, Gloria and Fred loved traveling together all around the country. Gloria's skill at organizing didn't stop with arranging tours; she got a job as an organizer. As Club Manager of VFW Post #446 in Muskegon, she ran Bingo and began money-making steak fries for capital improvements. When she retired after 20 years, she remained a member of Post #446 and retained her lifetime membership of Muskegon Moose Lodge. She just enjoyed being around people! After retirement, Gloria settled into work that drew on her nurturing skills. It started with visits between Gloria and her neighbor. Because of what the neighbor saw in Gloria, she asked Gloria to baby-sit her son. Gloria cared for him from infancy to grade school like he was her adopted son. Mother, son and Gloria gained so much more than the convenience of their arrangement. It was a bond of true friendship. Throughout her life, it seemed Gloria was always on the go in her work and recreation. "If the grass got too long," remarked her son-in-law, "it was excuse enough for a party." If she was off to the horse or car races with Fred, she was literally "off to the races." On one occasion she was ticketed for speeding on the way to a race. When asked by the officer, "Where are you headed so fast?" Gloria replied, "To the car race." "Are you in it?" he asked. Even in later years when she moved into the nursing home after her 75th birthday, Gloria was still on the go. This time it was in her electric wheelchair that had to be equipped with a horn and bumpers. The obnoxious sound of the horn warned others of her coming, and special "booties" were made to minimize Gloria's bumping into people and things. At all times, Gloria kept her humor and wit. Her joy and happiness was an inspiration to her family and friends. Gloria will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all who loved her dearly. Mrs. Gloria A. Stroup, age 80 of North Muskegon, died Tuesday, January 16, 2007. She is survived by her daughters, Sue Ann (Brian) Brown of Muskegon, Roxanne Lukeheart of Muskegon, Sheila Witt of Muskegon, Gina Louise Davilla of Fort Knox; 8 grandchildren: Mindi, Rhonda, Kevin, Chris, Nick, Ross, Mandy, Jennifer; 6 great-grandchildren; sister, Beverly Rafferty of Muskegon; many nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred; 3 brothers & 2 sisters. A service to celebrate Gloria's life will be held on Monday, January 22, 2007, 11:00 AM at Clock Chapel with Rev. Ben Jansen officiating. Interment at Sunrise Memorial Gardens. Relatives and friends may meet her family on Sunday, 3-6 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Muskegon. Contributions in her memory may be made to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.