Gloria Henrich-Meekhof

Gloria 87, passed peacefully into God's loving care on Sunday May 6 in Peoria, Arizona. She is survived by her devoted and loving husband Roger Meekhof of 20 years, her three children Peter Garrison (wife Judy), Laura Garrison, Andrew Garrison, eleven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, three step children Kelley Simmerman, Kimberly Stanton (husband Robert), Roger Eric Meekhof, four step grandchildren, and kittycat Lily. Born in Buffalo NY, Gloria attended Wittenberg College in Springfield OH, and completed a Master's degree in Remedial Reading at Wayne State University in Detroit MI. At first she taught in her field, but then began teaching 6th grade after relocating to Kalamazoo MI. Gloria loved and was very proud of her children and grandchildren and delighted in sharing with them her love of travel, other cultures and cuisines, the great outdoors, music, dancing, and baking. Following her divorce from James Garrison in 1975, Gloria opened her home to international students from Western Michigan University, offering room and board in exchange for a very small sum plus weekly chores! She hosted students from Japan, Libya, China, and Iran. This experience led to volunteer work as an ESL instructor both formally and informally. She also volunteered at Borgess Hospital. Gloria had a ticklish funny bone and was quick to laugh at almost anything, the sillier the better. We will all miss the sound of her laughter, her beautiful smile, her joy in others' happiness, and her absolute embrace of this earthly life's beauty. Gloria was a member of Texas Corners Bible Church, where a funeral service will be held Saturday May 26 at 11:00am. Memorial donations may be made to Kairos Dwelling 2945 Gull Road Kalamazoo, 269-381-3688.