Gloria Mae (Boldridge) Wallingford, born on August 13, 1936, in Leavenworth, Kansas, the daughter of Floyd and Mattie Ruth (Beadles) Boldridge, gracefully departed this world on February 4, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri. With a heart that united her family in love and laughter, she quietly passed surrounded by her beloved kin, enveloped in the warmth of their presence as she journeyed into the arms of Jesus.
Gloria's life was marked not only by her devotion to her family but also by her remarkable career and vibrant interests. She embarked on her professional journey in Topeka, KS, and then she married Gorman Wallingford on July 20, 1957, at Campbell Chapel in Atchison, and they shared a life of travelling the world through his role in the Navy. She was very active in her role as a Navy wife and learned so much about the cultures that they were experiencing. When she returned to the US, she served as a Secretary to the Criminal Justice Planner in Wichita, Kansas, before ascending to the role of Information Systems Supervising Trainer at Mosaic Life Care, in St. Joseph, MO, a position she held with distinction for twenty-four years preceding her retirement in 2000. Her passion for learning and dedication to her work were reflective of the very essence of who she was.
A proud graduate of ACCHS in 1954, Gloria furthered her education at Wichita State University, cultivating a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. This intellectual curiosity complemented her rich tapestry of interests, which included sewing countless clothing items and keepsakes for her family and crocheting, and she was a teacher of extensive cake decorating and ceramics. She loved fishing, bowling and she was an excellent cook. Many will cherish memories of times when Gloria was driving their motor home down the road. For over thirty years, she and Wally, embarked on countless adventures, each trip an opportunity to create cherished memories with loved ones. She was constantly taking care of everyone and everything, including being a hospice volunteer for many years.
Gloria was deeply rooted in her community as a devoted member of the First Baptist Church in Elwood, Kansas, where she found spiritual connection and fellowship. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and served as an usher.
She is survived by her husband, Gorman C. Wallingford. Their sixty-eight-year union was a testament to enduring love and partnership, yielding three children: two daughters, Elizabeth Wallingford and Denise Wallingford, one son, John Wallingford; Her legacy extends to her siblings: two brothers, Leonard Boldridge, Dennis Boldridge, and five sisters: Carol Harvey, Shirley Gooch, Tammy Hibler, Brenda Boldridge and Annette Boldridge. Gloria was also the proud grandmother to eight grandchildren, and the loving great-grandmother to thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, each of whom brought her immense joy and fulfillment. Gloria raised the three children of her own, but she loved so many other children like her own and provided a home for whoever she could throughout her life.
She is preceded in death by her beloved parents, Floyd and Mattie Ruth Boldridge, who undoubtedly instilled in her the values of love and resilience, and a sister, Betty Ruth King, whose memory she carried in her heart.
Services to celebrate the Life and Legacy of Gloria will be 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Atchison United Methodist Church, 501 Kansas Ave, Atchison, KS. Words of Comfort will be by Rev. Anthony Byrd of the First Baptist Church in Elwood. The family will gather with friends for a visitation before the service beginning at 12:00 noon at the church. She will be laid to rest at Pardee Cemetery.
