Gloria was born in North Platte, Nebraska on October 26, 1925 and died in Billings, Montana on Wednesday April 25, 2012.

Her parents Violet and Harold Ackerley raised Gloria in Story, Wyo. After graduating from High School in Sheridan, Wyo., she trained for a nursing career. Her plans were interrupted when she met Burt Conant and after a two week courtship they entered into a marriage that lasted 53 years.

Burt had a love of farming that led them to several years of working the land in Wyoming. During this time their family grew and ultimately they moved to Billings.

Gloria started her nursing career at St. Vincent's hospital as a surgical nurse and later in the office of Dr. Weirzbinski.

The family operated a vegetable stand, Conant Gardens, on Garden Ave for many years.

Gloria had an insatiable curiosity and love of learning. Later in her life she went back to college carrying a full academic load in addition to working full time as a ward clerk. She earned an AS degree in nursing, a RN certificate from Chaffey College and a BS degree in Health Care Management from LaVerne College in Southern California. She was on the Dean‘s Honor list and achieved her lifelong goal. She trained at the Loma Linda Hospital and then worked in an executive level at the Pomona Valley Hospital in California.

Characteristic of Gloria's wide and varied experiences her next position was as the Public Health nurse in Lewis and Clark County, MT and in the family business as owners of the Lazy B Restaurant, Bar and Hotel in Augusta, MT. She was also a RN at the County Nursing Home in Choteau, MT until her retirement.

Gloria was an avid gardener and grew lovely roses as well as orchids in an indoor greenhouse Burt built for her.

She was very musical with long and graceful fingers made for playing piano and accordion. She taught both and developed an accordion band with her students.

She was an excellent seamstress and made school clothes and formal outfits for her daughters, often working late into the night. Gloria was creative and artistic with an eye for beauty and color, especially the color pink.

Gloria had an indomitable personality with a keen mind and determined spirit. She could be piercingly honest and direct and yet her quick humor and witty repartee could disarm with laughter. She was practical and organized with a great capacity for work and family. She handled adversity with grace and aplomb. She loved life and chocolate!

Gloria was the matriarch of a large extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Alva Burton (Burt); son, Harold (TC); daughter in law, Dawn Larae; granddaughters, Lorena ,Jackie, and Crystal; grandson, Tommy; and longtime companion, Eugene Conant.

She is survived by her sister, Marilyn Lewis of Evanston, WY and her family; and children Vi Grinsteiner, Strain (Dick) of Bloomfield, CA, Linda Wilson of Irving, TX, Ardella (Rodney) Kanning of Billings, Rose (Rick) Bryant of Augusta, MT, and Roger Conant of Billings.

Gloria and Burt raised their granddaughter, Rainey, TC's daughter, from an infant. She was their special sunshine. Gloria has 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the many individuals who provided such compassionate and capable care and support to Gloria at Aspen Meadows and to her caring doctor, Brenda Kirkland.

Gloria's daughter Ardella Kanning was her advocate and constant caregiver. Her message to Mom, with love is, "it was an honor to be your constant companion through it all." her daughter, Vi, was her support and historian, and Olivia Cosgriffe, was her special friend and companion. All of her children and their children were special to her.

Final arrangements were beautifully handled by Cremation & Funeral Gallery in Billings. In accordance with her wishes, a private service will be held later in Augusta, MT. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

Mom was our tower of strength and we will miss her dearly. When asked what in her life was most important, she answered without hesitation her children brought her the greatest joy.

Arrangements are by Cremation & Funeral Gallery. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cfgbillings.com through "Our Families."

The Sheridan Press - May 5, 2012.