Gloria Ruby Willey

Gloria Ruby Willey, 97, of Baraboo, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2026, just two weeks before her 98th birthday. She was born on September 11, 1928 in Dexter, to Marvin and Irene Hamilton. She was the only daughter in a family of five children.

Gloria lived much of her younger years in the Mauston area, where she started a family. In 1966, she became a widow, and in 1968, she met and married LaVerne Willey. After a short time living in Lake Delton, they moved to a small farm in Fairfield Township just outside of Baraboo. Shortly after the birth of her last child in 1974, they began building a house close by where they stayed the rest of their lives until health concerns made it impossible. They built a lovely home and grew a big garden with lots of flower beds featuring some of Gloria’s favorites: Iris’s, Gladiolas, Snap Dragons, Hollyhocks and Lilacs. They truly made it into their own little piece of heaven, as Gloria once called it. In 1985, Gloria suffered her greatest heartache when her son Jeff drowned, saying a piece of her died with him. 

Gloria enjoyed reading, puzzles, music, and playing games. She was excellent at cooking, baking, and canning the fresh vegetables that were grown in their garden. She was especially known for her "world-famous pickles." She loved babies, and crocheted afghans and sweater sets for every new baby in the family. She became a member of the Fairfield Birthday Club and enjoyed taking her turn as hostess for some of their monthly get-togethers. She collected dolls, music boxes, green glass, and other pretty things she never had growing up.

In later years, she and her husband joined the Nazarene Church in Baraboo. Gloria enjoyed sending cards to other members, taking part in the church’s game night, and playing her harmonica. Gloria eventually had to move away from her beautiful property and became a resident at Meadow Ridge Assisted Living where she enjoyed the many activities offered. After several years there, she moved to Jefferson Meadows nursing home just down the street. 

Gloria is survived by her children, David (Walna) Lee of Casper, Wyoming, Diana Arrowsmilth of Tomah, Doreen (Mark) Bidwell of Union Grove, Alabama, Gina (Mark) Anderson of Wisconsin Dells, and Shawn (Lisa) Willey of Fond du Lac; 14 grandchildren; many great- and great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, Harlan. She was preceded in death by her husbands; son, Jeff; grandson, Silas; son-in-law, Tom; and brothers, Navaro, Arzie, and Leo.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 4, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Walnut Hill Bible Church with Pastor Dan Gunderson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will follow at Fairfield Cemetery in Fairfield Township.