Gloria was born in Vineyard to Harry Stone and Anna Christiansen Stone Wright. Her family owned the Ash Lane Dairy Farm, which was located exactly where Geneva stood for many years. She grew up in Vineyard with her younger brother Eugene. When she was eight years old her father died and she and her family moved to Provo where her mother could find work to support the family. Gloria attended schools in Provo and also attended BYU where she was active in the orchestra. She enjoyed playing the viola for concerts and musicals and has done so throughout her life.

Gloria married Dean Kirkham and they have been married for 61 years. Dean was with the Utah County Sheriffs Department for many years as well as the Lehi Fire Department. Mom supported dad in everything he did. She was active with the Fire Auxiliary as well as the “Old Folks Committee”. Mom has worked at Durfey Cleaners, the Maverick, and most recently she worked with her friends at Penneys in Lehi. Mom is a proud descendant of Norwegian heritage and has taught her family the importance of carrying on that legacy. When raising her family, mom spent many hours at the sewing machine making clothes and dresses for all her kids. She taught many years in the primary, has held several positions in Relief Society, and enjoyed several years serving at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple.

Gloria and Dean raised their five children in Lehi: Karen (Dale) Ekins, Terry (Debbie) Kirkham, Rebecca (Kim) Beck, Gail Schumacher, and Barbara Unsworth. Gloria and Dean have lost two grandchildren: Terris Kirkham and Amanda Beck.

Mom now enjoys crocheting, jigsaw puzzles, and going for rides. She loves the grandkids to stop by, and she likes to eat anything Dad cooks!