Gloria J. Ogle, 92

Woodstock – Gloria J. Ogle, 92, a resident of Woodstock, IL, passed away Wednesday, July 3, 2024, in her longtime home, surrounded by and in the arms of her loving children and caregivers.  She was born February 5, 1932, to James M. Jenkins and Elizabeth (Turner) Jenkins. 

She was a licensed beautician in downtown Elgin in her early years but changed careers for better benefits, working first in the office at Elgin Watch Factory and then later at McGraw Edison Toastmaster Division plant in Elgin. She had three children from her first marriage. 

While working on the “toaster calibration line” at the plant, she caught the attention of the plant manager, Jim Ogle, when she called him over to inform him that the toast was coming out too dark for medium setting.  He disagreed and in a friendly bantering tone, informed her that he thought the toast was “just right,” as he was a man who enjoyed dark toast. 

On a late afternoon in the future, she was stranded outside of the plant as her ride had not yet arrived when the dashing plant manager, now a widower with five children, was leaving to go home.  She shyly accepted a ride as it was on his way and he asked her out on a date (hey, it was 1963, after all) Date night was electric.  They drove into the city to the Ivanhoe night club on the north side.  As the elevator door opened to the catacombs, the Wiffenpoof song was being sung by those gathered around the piano bar.  Her future husband joined right in with his beautiful voice.  He knew the words from his time as a World War II bomber pilot when he sang the same song before every sortie. 

After a few more dates, her life changed for the better when this mom of three became a loving mother of eight, and a full-time homemaker, marrying James A. Ogle, Jr., on August 21, 1963.  They were happily married for 49 years until he passed away in 2013.  She and her husband were very proud that they successfully created a hybrid family where everyone got along and supported each other.  Sixty-one years later this is still the case. 

Her legacy of love and generosity will never be forgotten by those who crossed her path. It was the love of her children and grand-children which allowed her to live a long life with dignity, even after suffering a stroke in 2008.  Babies were her passion; she was happiest during family parties where children and babies played in the living room.  She loved her family and preparing meals for 30-40 people was common.  She was known for her love, kindness, compassion and elegant beauty. 

Gloria is survived by seven children. Robert (Joan) Ogle passed away July 6. James A. (Anna) Ogle III, Karen Lyons, Barbara (Patrick) Coghlan, J. Gregory Perdue, Donald (Marie) Ogle, Kathy (Steven) Houseman, Russell (Carol) Ogle; 19 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and her brother Donald (Sharon) Jenkins; and her loving caregivers, Ogie and Bogie.  She was proceeded in death by her husband in 2013, her brothers James (1953) and Charles (Marie) Jenkins (2008), and a son-in-law, Thomas Lyons, in 2005.

The visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 10, at Grace Lutheran Church,1300 Kishwaukee Valley Road, Woodstock from 10:00 am until the 12:00 Noon Funeral Service.  Interment will follow in Oakland Cemetery, Woodstock.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Grace Lutheran Church in Woodstock.