Gloria Jean Childress, 99, of Portal, AZ passed away in Farmington, NM on January 27, 2023. She was born in Utica, NY, in 1923 to Emmet Leland and Isabel Louise Phister.

As a child, Gloria spent summers with her family camping and boating in the Adirondack Mtns of upstate NY where she developed her passion for nature.

After graduating high school she attended Cornell University, receiving a degree in zoology with an emphasis in ornithology. She was married to J.C. Penwell in 1945, and they raised 4 children.

Gloria’s passion was the study and observation of birds. She also enjoyed reading, camping and traveling.

Gloria passed down to her children her appreciation for the land and her love of nature.

Gloria was preceded in death by her son, Alan Lee Penwell.  She is survived by daughters Dale Maria Triplett, Laurel Anne Penwell both of Hesperus, Colo. and Tracy Lynn Penwell of Phoenix, 4 grandchildren , Tara, Lacey, Dawn and Travis, and 4 great grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of 100 years of Life will be held April 29, 2023 in the Portal Rescue Classroom, at 12:00 PM.

Friends of the Myrtle Kraft Portal Library will be planting Red Bud trees in their Pollination Garden in Gloria’s memory..

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be given to:

‍     Friends of Myrtle Kraft Portal Library

‍     PO Box 16552

‍     Portal, AZ  85632