Gloria Annette Birky Beachey, 77, passed away on July 14, 2025 after fighting off a series of deadly diseases and life-altering accidents throughout her whole life.

Gloria was born on November 2, 1948 to Richard and Katie Anna Birky in La Junta, CO. After Gloria graduated in 1966 from Adair High School in Oklahoma, she attended Hesston College in Kansas for one year where she met Duane Beachey whom she would later marry. She went on to earn her bachelor degree in nursing, at Oklahoma University. More than 20 years later she earned a masters degree in Adult Education from Texas A&M, Kingsville.

Gloria married Duane on June 12, 1970. Gloria and Duane went on to have two daughters, Carissa and Sarah.

Gloria held many different titles throughout her life – nurse, wife, mother, Adult ESL teacher and trainer, SWAP administrator with MCC in Appalachia, grandmother, accomplished seamstress and jewelry maker.

Gloria put down roots in many communities throughout her life, including Adair, OK; Spencer, OK; San Antonio, TX; Whitesburg, KY; and Madison, WI. She and Duane served in Mennonite Voluntary Service for 11 years. Then 20 years later served with Mennonite Central Committee for 8 years. Gloria became fluent in Spanish and traveled extensively in El Salvador during the mid 80’s providing medical services to rural, war-torn communities and made some lifelong friends in the process.

Gloria was predeceased by her parents, Richard and Katie Anna Birky and sister-in-law, Mary Birky. She is survived by her siblings, Janice Eckels, Dwight Birky, and Judi Gulotta; husband, Duane Beachey; daughters Carissa Christner and Sarah Snider; sons-in-law Jay Christner and Shawn Snider; grandchildren, Colin and Luke Snider and Gabriel and Isadora Christner, as well as multitudes of beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, great-grands and too many dear friends to list here. Gloria was an amazing listener, was not afraid to make snarky comments, and made everyone who knew her feel welcomed, seen and loved, and then wondered aloud to Duane why people liked her!

Services will be held at Madison Mennonite Church (1501 Gilbert Rd, Madison, Wisconsin) on August 1, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the National Immigrant Justice Center or American Gateways – two organizations that help and protect immigrants, a cause about which Gloria cared deeply.

To view her obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Verona Chapel
220 Enterprise Drive
608-845-6625

Gloria Beachey

November 02, 1948 - July 14, 2025

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