Stevenson, Washington

July 25, 1924 — Oct. 16, 2016

The heavens received a lovely new star as Gloria Ziak DeGroote passed onward on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, at her home in Stevenson, Washington.

She was born to Robert and Katie Ziak in Astoria, Oregon, and was one of five children. Her parents and three brothers (Kewpie, Francis and Don) preceded her in death, and her surviving brother is Gary of Knappa, Oregon.

Gloria moved to Stevenson in 1955 and married George DeGroote in 1972. Their marriage took place at the Rock of Gibralter, and for their honeymoon they traveled three weeks throughout Europe. They continued their love of travel throughout their marriage, visiting Russia twice, Turkey, Greece, Switzerland, various Mexican locations, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Carribean islands, the Panama Canal, Canada and Northwest destinations. They loved the architecture, art and outdoor beauty of their places of travel.

They built a business in housing development in Skamania County, and also liked being involved in local politics.    They were instrumental in landing the site selection for the Skamania County Interpretive Center, and also in its support. George passed in 2010.

Gloria was the county chairman for the Cancer Society fund drive for many years throughout the 1960s, and helped at many county functions as needed. Over those years she also worked at the Hemlock Tree nursery, Hegawald’s plywood mill and the Camas Crown-Zellerbach paper mill. 

She was raised on the farm in Knappa, Oregon, and recalled one memory of how her hands would really hurt as she delivered milk to the neighboring families on her way to school. Several bottles were placed in a wired rack, and the heaviness of the wires pinched her. 

As a teen she had summer work in a logging camp serving the loggers their dinners in the dining hall. She claimed she had to usually balance five plates on her two arms to get everyone served quickly.          

Gloria had a lovely singing voice, but most never knew it. She always claimed it was never as good as her mother’s! She also was a talented artist in all media, and a great designer.

Her personal style was always “on point” in a colorful, classy way, from earrings to shoes. One always knew Gloria would be looking sharp! It also reflected in her own home, as her lovely style was evident in her selections of interior details and throughout her flower gardens. Those who knew her landscaping knew she had a very strong green thumb.

She was an outstanding cook. and excellent at canning. Her presentations were always beautiful to look at. And, there wasn’t an animal or pet that went hungry if she knew they needed a meal. She was very loving to all nature’s creatures. She once rescued an abandoned dog, named him Rambo, and he became her best pal for 15 years.

Gloria was smart, kind, loving, gracious and a generous woman who had class and dignity. She was a wonderful mother to her two children Robert Talent (Linda) and Elana Carpenter (Dave), both of whom claim that she was one of the best!

She has four grandchildren, Erik Talent, Tavine Blair, Rhett Carpenter and Cort Carpenter; and two step-grandchildren, Sean and Andy Comfort. There are also several great-grandchildren.

There will be no formal service, and a scattering of ashes for George, Gloria and Rambo will take place at a later date. However, because of her love of animals, the family suggests that any contribution in her memory should go to the animal shelter: Home at Last, 200 River Road, The Dalles, OR 97058 (541-296-5189).

“Whenever we go to heaven, all the cats, dogs and wild creatures, along with everyone who loved us, will be there waiting at the gates.”  

Rest peacefully, Dear Mother. You will be missed, but always in our memories.