Gloria Ann Guthrie January 07, 1949 – March 18, 2019 Share this obituary View/Sign Guest Book| Send Private Condolences| Send Sympathy Card The fourth of five children, Gloria Ann was born at home in Bevier, Mo. , to Clinton and Viola (Cress) Slightom on January 7, 1949. With her doll Lallie in tow, Gloria spent a lot of time outdoors, exploring “beyond the train tracks,” climbing trees, helping her daddy with the cows and fishing with her brothers and Slightom cousins.
When she was 15, Gloria lost her hero, her aunt Linda Moore. Gloria always wanted to be just like her aunt Linda—someone people always loved to see, and who brought smiles, joy and laughter to any room. One of Gloria’s first jobs was at a dry cleaning establishment in Macon.
Once she learned a skill, it stuck tight. She could fluff and fold like a pro, and a stain rarely had a chance. If you ever were lucky enough to have your laundry done by Gloria, you know how it was perfectly stacked and smelled amazing.
After graduating from Bevier High in 1967, she left for Burlington, Iowa to work in an ammunition factory. Her dad convinced her to give up that job when she returned home with every inch of her skin a bright shade of yellow from the high amount of sulfur at the plant. Lifelong friendships began to form during her years at Banquet Foods, Toastmaster, Inc., and several years tending bar at the Wooden Nickel.
She had a great many friends, and it’s easy to understand why. Anyone could relax and be themselves around Gloria. It was “come as you are” 24-7.
Her very special “sister-friends” were of tremendous comfort and support to her during these past years. Her marriage to Michael Coulson brought her two children, whom she loved with all her heart and soul—Michael Brandon Kayne and Gabrielle (Abby) Lynn. After a long relationship, Gloria married her love, Elmer “Butch” Guthrie on March 10, 1989.
Their home was the center of gatherings for both sides of the family. They relished the role of hosts during the Bevier Homecoming when both family and friends would stop, visit and enjoy a great meal. Gloria found joy in the simple things in life.
She truly loved to cook. She loved trying new recipes and adding to her appliance collection. She loved decorating her home.
She always had some type of trash-to-treasure makeover in the works. Most people dislike talking on the phone. Gloria loved it.
Basically, your phone would ring and you would hear, “Yeah. This is Gloria”. and without preamble, she would launch right into the topic.
When this happened, you knew to pull up a chair. This call would take a while. Last but certainly a long distance from least, Gloria loved animals.
Her pets were pampered, primped, cuddled and coddled. For this reason, the family suggests memorials to the Macon Animal Shelter. Please make checks payable to City of Macon with Animal Shelter in memo line.
Gloria passed away at Loch Haven Nursing Home in Macon on March 18, 2019 at the age of 70 years, two months and 11 days. She is survived by children Kayne Coulson and wife Toni of Moberly, Mo. , and Abby Anderson of Columbia, Mo.
; grandchildren Mara Coulson and Christopher Campbell; sister Cindi Grim and her husband Tim of Raymore, Mo. ; aunt Mary Lou Britt of Bevier; nieces Jonna Jeske, Luci Grim, Bailey Grim, Lisa Osborn, Ronda Norton, Felicia Atha-Haun, Robin Curphy and Shelda Vaughn; nephew Dustin Haun, and many more family members and wonderful friends. She is also survived by her dog Lulu, who has graciously agreed to take up residence full-time with Judy and Larry Biondi.
Those gone before her were her parents, her husband in 2006, sister Evalee in 1985, brothers Bruce in 2007 and Art in 2009. Visitation will be held Friday, March 22, 2019 from 5-7 p.m. at the Hutton-McElwain Funeral Home in Macon. Funeral Services are Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 11 a.m. A carry-in meal will be served at Gloria’s home in Bevier immediately following.
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