Gloria Jean McKinney

Gloria Jean McKinney, 81, Hoquiam resident and former homemaker, plant aficionado, and food bank volunteer passed away on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Pacific Care Center in Hoquiam, Washington.

Gloria was born on September 23, 1943, in Detroit, Michigan. Gloria was adopted and 1 of 4 children. She moved to Washington State as a young girl. Gloria left high school and married her first husband, Eddie Collins, having her first 2 children: Jeanie and James. They later divorced. She then had her daughter Diania. Down the road she married her second husband, Donald R. House. They had 3 children together, Kim, Theresa, and Stephanie. They lived in Washington, and Portland, Oregon. She then divorced Don and moved to Ocean City, Washington. At this point she met and married Scott McKinney. They divorced early but remained together for many years.

Gloria volunteered for Copalis Community Church food and clothing bank. She also volunteered at local businesses caring for their plants. Gloria worked several jobs including bartender, housekeeper, front desk attendant before becoming disabled and unable to work. However, she continued to do her volunteer work for the church and caring for the business plants. She loved to help people and be involved in her community. 

Gloria was affectionately called the plant lady by her children. She had dozens and dozens of her own plants that she cared for and loved every single one of them. She took great care and pride in her plants. Gloria collected Minions and cat figurines. She loved her minions. She also enjoyed crocheting and watching her favorite tv shows: “Law and Order”, “Hawaii 5-0”, “Blue Bloods”, and “Bull”. She also loved going to the casino. She considered all the employees family. 

Gloria is preceded in death by her children: Jeanie Collins and Stephanie Rathbone; her parents; her biological parents; and both of her brothers: John and Paul. Gloria is survived by her children: James (Tamera) Collins of Oregon; Diania House; Kim (Tim) Zimbelman, and Theresa (David) Radka, all of Hoquiam, Washington; 9 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at 1:00 PM located at Copalis Community Church in Copalis Beach, Washington. Coffee and dessert will be provided. Please take a moment to leave the family a note of condolence. Arrangements have been entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.