Gloria Jean Eklund, 75, of Iona, Idaho, passed away on Wednesday, February 17, 2016, at the Hospice Home in Ammon.
She was born on April 8, 1940, in Sanish, North Dakota, to Thomas Timothy and Ragna Randall. She grew up in Newtown, North Dakota. Gloria left school in the eighth grade.

On January 19, 1959, she married Myron (Mike) Eklund. Mike passed away on August 20, 1989. Together they had two children.

Gloria and Mike traveled the West with the drilling company. They raised Quarter Horses and enjoyed racing them.

In Casper, Wyoming, Gloria loved to bowl. She was on a team with Delores and Barbara. They were the "team to beat". They always had the highest consistent scores. Gloria continued bowling after moving to Elko. She also enjoyed quilting and doing puzzles.

She loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family and friends. They all brought great joy and happiness to her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Carrie (Russell) Smith, of Iona, Idaho; her son, Marty (Rhonda) Eklund, of Olin, North Carolina; her sister, Esther Kresbach, of North Dakota; her grandchildren: Crystal (Russell) Boyd, Chanda (Jay) Jakeman, Gage Smith, Jorden Smith, Brandon (Nicolette) Eklund, Michael (Lynette) Eklund, Danny Eklund, Kaden Eklund, Nathen Eklund, Tyler Eklund and Dalila Eklund; and 8 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Myron Eklund; her parents, Thomas and Ragna Randall; her brother, Alvin Randall and her sister, Patricia Stensaker Ives.

A graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday,February 27, 2016, at Elko Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Stockmans Hotel & Casino in Elko, Nevada. Local arrangements were under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First St., Idaho Falls, Idaho. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.coltrinmortuary.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to Hospice of Eastern Idaho, 1810 Moran St. Idaho Falls, Idaho, 83401 or at http://hospiceofeasternidaho.com/donate/.