Gloria Jean Teal, 79, a longtime resident of Fernwood, Idaho, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at Kootenai Health.

Gloria was born on June 21, 1946, in Ohio. At an early age, she moved to Missoula, Montana, a place she always considered her true home and held close to her heart throughout her life.

In her early twenties, Gloria relocated to Spokane, Washington, with her mother and stepfather, Norm Felsman. Together, the family opened the Golden Nugget Labradorite, a rock and jewelry shop where Gloria learned to appreciate the beauty found in small, carefully chosen treasures. It was during her time in Spokane that Gloria met Hank Teal. The two married, blending their families and eventually welcoming four children together, completing the family she so deeply loved.

In the early 1970s, Gloria and Hank moved to Clarkia, Idaho, before settling on property in Fernwood, Idaho. It was there that Gloria raised her children, built a home filled with love, and created countless memories that would last a lifetime.

Gloria was devoted to her family and spent many years as a homemaker. She also worked at the Fernwood Restaurant and Bar and later at Drifters in Emida, always willing to do what was needed to support herself and her children. After her marriage ended, Gloria found meaningful work at the Senior Mealsite in St. Maries, where she worked alongside her son, John. She also collected scrap metal to supplement her income until her health no longer allowed her to do so.

When she was able, Gloria loved creating beautiful cakes and candies and took great joy in participating in Fernwood Days. She enjoyed trips to the Coeur d’Alene Casino, playing the slots, scratch tickets, and spending quiet time with her cherished porcelain doll collection. Gloria was talented with her hands, she could knit, crochet, and sew, creating thoughtful gifts for her family. Her afghans and quilts remain some of her most treasured legacies, stitched with love and care for those she held dear.

Gloria will be remembered for her resilience, her creativity, and the quiet strength with which she lived her life. Her love lives on through her family and the many memories she leaves behind.

Gloria is survived by her children Jolyn Hathon of California, Linda Procopio of Spokane Valley, WA, John Teal of Fernwood, ID, Laura Teal of Rockford, WA, Elina Teal (Jared Gross) f Rockford, WA, and Harry Teal of Fernwood, ID; sister Delores Shafer of Corpus Christi, TX; 14 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her little brother David, and grandchild Paul Procopio.