She was born in Elmore, MN to Clarence and Goldie Zufall. She graduated from Elmore High School and then spent two years of college at Mankato State in Mankato, MN. Moved to Arizona where she completed her B.S and M.A. degrees in Physical Education at Arizona State University in Tempe. She taught high school in Avenal and Fresno, CA as well as taught and coached at Fresno State University. She met her life partner, Evonne Davenport, in 1966 and moved to San Jose, CA. They were married in September of 2008. In San Jose she taught physical education and coached at San Jose City College and Evergreen Valley College.

Gloria was a fine athlete and loved to play and to compete. She excelled at most every sport or activity in which she participated. When she was younger, she played softball and volleyball but probably her favorite sport was golf. She learned golf at an early age from her father who was an excellent golfer. She continued to hone those skills both as a player and a teacher. She also taught yoga, aerobics, and badminton. Gloria was a fun loving, vivacious woman; she enjoyed having a conversation with everyone as well as making jokes and being feisty in a joyous way. She was a great teacher and really loved to teach. Donations can be sent to 'Friends of Chikumbuso, Att: Linda Wilkinson, 389A Wyassup Rd., North Stonington, CT 06359.' For online condolences please visit www.habingfamilyfuneralhome.com .