IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Gloria Rose

Gloria Rose Blake Profile Photo

Blake

Sep 15, 1935 — Apr 5, 2026

Obituary

Gloria Rose (McNeight) Blake, 90, passed on to heaven on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Gloria's life was rooted in God's word and blossomed with love. She was a devout Catholic, a beloved wife, a dedicated mother, and a welcoming hostess who loved spending time with family and friends. Gloria was born in Marathon County, Wisconsin, to Allison Ludwig McNeight and Adella Katherine (Schill) McNeight. She was the first of six children and grew up in Stratford, Wisconsin. After attending St. Joseph Catholic School, she graduated from Stratford High School and went on to college at Stout State, now known as the University of Wisconsin – Stout. In 1957, Gloria graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics Education. She enjoyed her early career teaching high school home economics. In 1958, she wed the love of her life, Richard K. Blake (Dick). They were married for 57 beautiful years before he passed away in 2016. The couple wholeheartedly enjoyed the vibrant life and partnership they had built, filled with purpose, fun, family, and a deep, lasting love for each other. Their story is a powerful example for others. Raising their 3 children and doting upon their 4 grandchildren were their primary goals after their love for one another. Over the years, the couple was blessed with many stories to tell. They enjoyed traveling by air, land, and sea throughout the United States and the world, visiting countless countries in their adventures. Her life was intertwined with that of Dick's. Theirs was a partnership defined by love, joy, and enduring companionship. In their younger years, they could be found dancing together at the end of each busy week, attending parties, and enjoying their romance. Vacations with their family often consisted of trips to Wisconsin to boat, water ski, and enjoy the Great North Woods. As the years passed, their love only deepened. The end of each day found them sitting side by side, watching the sun glisten on the Indian River, sharing cocktails and conversation as they reflected on a life well lived together. Gloria was a deeply loving and devoted mom who believed in preparing her children for life, teaching not only by words but by example. She shared practical skills that will live on for generations – guiding hands through sewing projects, passing down treasured recipes in the kitchen, and instilling confidence through patience and care. As grandma, she had a special gift for making each grandchild feel deeply loved and valued, creating memories that will be treasured forever. Gloria was there for life's most meaningful moments; she was present at the births of her grandchildren, welcoming each new life with open arms and a full heart. She shared her love in the quiet everyday moments, the lessons she taught, the traditions she shared, the cookies she baked, and the warmth she gave so freely. She was a woman whose life was enriched by the deep and lasting friendships she built over the years. Gloria had a natural gift for connecting with others, forming bonds that stood the test of time. She enjoyed dear friendships that spanned decades, built on shared memories, laughter, trust, and support. Whether through long conversations, simple gatherings, or years of shared experiences, she nurtured her friendships with care and sincerity. Gloria was a guiding force in the world of garden clubs, serving with distinction at local, state, and regional levels. She served as President of both the Boca Raton Garden Club and the Cocoa-Rockledge Garden Club. As President of the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc., her leadership inspired growth, education, and environmental stewardship across the state. She was a dedicated Director of Wekiva Youth Camp, where she nurtured a love of nature and lasting memories for campers, volunteers, and staff. Her service extended beyond Florida as the Deep South Regional Director, representing Garden Clubs throughout the Southern United States. Gloria proudly served as an accredited Master National Garden Clubs Flower Show Judge, sharing her deep knowledge and passion for horticulture and floral design through decades of dedicated service and teaching. Through every role she held, she planted seeds of kindness, shared knowledge, and inspired others. Gloria is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; her parents; her twin sisters, Mary and Linda; her brother, Kevin; and her sister, Patricia. Gloria is survived by her children, Sharon and her husband, Densel Raines; granddaughter, Christy; Lynnae and her husband, Glenn Ehley; granddaughter, Desirae; and David Blake and his wife, Rene'; grandsons, Seamus and Finnegan; her brother, Richard P. McNeight, and his wife, Teresa; and her numerous nieces and nephews. A Mass, followed by a Celebration of Life, will be held at Our Saviour's Catholic Church of Cocoa Beach at 11:00 a.m. on July 18, 2026. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Gloria's memory to The Florida Federation of Garden Clubs, Inc. at https://www.ffgc.org/Donate. As was true in their life, now it is true in their death; Gloria and Dick are together.

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