Gloria Ruth (Stiles) Eller

Gloria Ruth (Stiles) Eller was born Dec. 23, 1932, in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, and passed away March 7, 2026, in Oklahoma City, joining many loved ones in heaven.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Helen Stiles; her brother, Fred Stiles; and her beloved husband, Oscar.

She is survived by one brother, Mark Stiles; five daughters, Gloria, Vennetta, Suzanne, Wanda and Michelle; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Gloria and Oscar were married on her birthday in 1953 and celebrated almost 49 years of marriage before his passing in 2002. Together they raised their five daughters.

As the wife of a Nazarene preacher serving in small churches, Gloria was deeply involved in church life. She frequently served as church pianist, organist and soloist and was known to play a lively accordion. She often taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School, directed Easter cantatas, and even formed a handbell choir one year.

In 1974, Gloria returned to college and became a registered nurse. She worked in hospitals, nursing homes and mental health facilities, where she often prayed for and with her patients.

Gloria was also known for her sense of humor and love of thrift shopping. Though cooking was not her specialty, a task her husband Oscar often joyfully took over, she enjoyed collecting treasures and proudly sharing how little she paid for a special item of clothing or household find. Her family says sorting through her many little treasures will bring plenty of laughter and memories.

Family meant everything to Gloria. She believed family included everyone, whether they were born into it or married into it, and she made sure each person felt welcomed, loved, and included. The dementia might have stolen many of her precious memories – but it couldn’t steal her memory of her love for the Lord and her family.

She loved attending church and singing. Gloria could still play many old hymns by heart on the piano and often broke into song at random moments. She encouraged her daughters to play instruments and sing, something they say they will continue in her honor. Her family imagines her now encouraging the heavenly choir to round their vowels, keep the beat, and stay on tune.

After retiring, Gloria and Oscar spent time living and working part-time at the Nazarene campground in New Mexico where they were able to attend church services year-round.