Gloria Hales Watson

Gloria Hales Watson passed on July 18, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. She was born to Lillian and Clay Hales in Malta, Mont., in 1942, and moved to Butte, Mont., in 1960. She worked for the telephone company while studying at business school.

She met and married, James "Pat" Sullivan, November 3, 1962. She had two daughters, Patricia and Michelle, who grew up in Butte. Pat proceeded her death, in 1972.

Gloria worked at St. James Hospital. She started as a file clerk and worked her way up to department chair of Medical Records (Health Information Management) over her 19 years at St. James. She enjoyed travel to Europe while her brother was stationed in the military in Germany. She often said, "I got down on the ground and kissed it when she returned to the United States," as she appreciated all the blessings we enjoy in America.

She remarried, Del Tremblay in December 1978 in Butte. He preceded her in death.

She received a BA degree from Carroll College in Medical Records Management, while working in Helena, Mont. Following graduation from college, she married a High School classmate, Gary Watson of Malta, in 1990.

Her career took her to Kennewick and Port Angeles, Wash. Later she moved to Burns and Stayton, Ore., before retiring in Salem, Ore.

She enjoyed attending Bible Study Fellowship (BSF), Red Hat Society activities, church volunteering, spending time with her granddaughters, and reading romance novels.

She was generous and kind, and family centered. She was quick with a smile and kind word. She took great pride and enjoyment in her two granddaughters, Autumn and Emily Howe. She enjoyed sharing imaginary tea parties, teaching the girls to baton twirl and do cartwheels, and volunteering at their schools.

She is survived by her daughters, Patricia Peterson and Michelle Howe of Salem, Ore. Sisters, Mareath Hales of Kirkland, Wash., and Doris (and Stan) Wombold of Malta, Mont., and Brother, Norman Hales (and Judy) of Sacramento, Calif., and her granddaughters, Autumn and Emily Howe, of Salem. Sister-in-law Marie Hansen, of Butte, Mont. Numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by James "Pat" Sullivan, Del Tremblay, Clay and Lillian Hales, of Malta, Mont., and her brother, Kenneth Hales of Seattle, Wash.

Memorial was held on Thursday, July 27, at 7 p.m., at Queen of Peace Church, 4227 Lone Oak Rd. SE, Salem, OR.