Glorene Katharine James

Glorene Katharine James was born on March 15, 1929, in Spokane, Washington, and passed away on April 30, 2023, in Walla Walla, WA, surrounded by her family.

She was born during the Great Depression to Kenneth and Katherine Case. Her father worked at McGoldrick Lumber Mill, and her mother was a homemaker. She was an only child.

Glo grew up in Spokane and graduated from North Central High School in January 1947.

In August of 1948, she married Winton DeFord. Winton was accepted to the School of Pharmacy at the University of Washington, and they promptly moved to Seattle. Glo worked for Civil Service to send Winton through college. She also worked in several places in Walla Walla over the years, including Andy's Market when all her kids were in school, and started the Persimmon Tree Gift Shop. Glo later became a Realtor at Jeffries Real Estate and then managed the gifts at Hatfield's Department Store.

In 1953, they were blessed with their first child, Ken, who was born at Swedish Hospital in Seattle.

In 1956 Kathy was born, Karen in 1960, and the caboose, Kevin, in 1962. They eventually moved to Walla Walla to fulfill their dream of owning their own drugstores.

Raising her family was a dream come true, and Glo often said she earned her Ph.D. The times she treasured the most were any opportunities to be with family. She liked to call stolen moments serendipities.

Other passions were gardening, sewing, and giving to others! Her passion for gardening was in full bloom every spring when her yard was a rainbow of blossoms and color. In her words, flowers made her happy inside!

While raising her family, she sewed almost everything her children wore. Later, she continued sewing by making beautiful quilts for multiple organizations that were always given to children. A label announcing "Hugs from My Heart, Grama Glo" adorned each quilt.

On November 19, 1977, she married the love of her life, Arlo James. They were married 42 years before Arlo's death in 2019. Glo and Arlo had the time of their lives on their many adventures! Their motorcycle trip to Chicago and their motorhome trip to Alaska topped the list!

Glo was blessed to have a family that kept expanding through the years. In addition to her three surviving children, Kathy Gifford, Karen McDaniels (David), and Kevin DeFord (Heather), she is survived by ten grandchildren, Jarad Gifford (MacKenzie), Jessica Tanner (David), Kevan Gifford (Becky Jo), Joshua McDaniels (Kim), Kamron Gifford (Tessie), Hunter DeFord, Jillian James (Ryan), Kolton DeFord, Jacie Byerley (Marshall), and Kooper DeFord. Plus, the absolute cherry on the top is 13 great-grandchildren, Sophia, Lillian, Alexandra, Sadie, Jameson, Henry, Graysen, Annie, Nash, Beau, Hadley, Olivia, and Kestrel.

A devoted and loving wife, mother, "Grama," "Gigi," and friend, Glo took great joy in all her blessings and never took anything for granted. She left a beautiful family legacy full of wisdom and always said the only thing you can take to heaven is your family. Her faith was everything!

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arlo, and her beloved son, Ken DeFord.

The memorial service will be held on Monday, May 15, 2023, at 1:30 pm at First Presbyterian Church on the corner of 1st Avenue and Birch Street in Walla Walla.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Children's Home Society of Washington, or Mercy Ships through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362. In addition, friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.