Gloria Dunkley

Gloria Dunkley, 98, died in Lancaster, CA on November 7, 2021 surrounded by family. Gloria was born in 1923, to Morris and Rose Dunkley of Minneapolis, Minnesota. One of 10 children, she finished high school and business school in Minnesota and briefly worked in Washington DC. Gloria later married Donald Benoit, serving in the United States Air Force (USAF). They had two daughters and Gloria continued working, also taking government courses to increase her skills. While in Japan, she taught Japanese employees and USAF enlisted personnel typing and English grammar, receiving multiple awards as an instructor and civil servant. Gloria concluded her 20-year US civil service career at the USAF Interceptor Weapons School, Tyndall AFB, FL.

Gloria loved music, writing, floral art and business ventures. She studied voice and instrumental music, playing both accordion and Hammond organ. Gloria authored novels and children’s books later in life. Her first book Ikebana Floral Art (Gloria Dunkley Benoit) was published in Japan. The book evolved from research and KORYU School of Floral Art classes she attended. Stateside, Gloria and husband, Donald, built the Jetaire Motel in Parker, FL which she owned and operated for many years. She worked with building contractors and businesses as an AMWAY distributor. Gloria loved her family, Florida, the East Bay, wildlife, Mojave Desert and her pets. She moved to Rosamond, CA to be near family. Gloria believed in a compassionate God, attending USAF non-denominational Protestant, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist and Lutheran services throughout her life.

Gloria is predeceased in death by her parents, eight siblings, and former husband, Donald Benoit. She is survived by daughters Rose (Michael Brody) Brodersen, Rita (Robert) Griffin, granddaughters Dawn Leigh Brodersen, Rebecca Glory (Tori) Harrison, great granddaughter Elliot Ruth, and her sister, Mary Ellen McKenzie, AZ.

No funeral service is planned. Halley-Olsen-Murphy in Lancaster, CA is entrusted with arrangements. Gloria will be interred in Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster, CA. A private family gathering will be held.

The family is especially grateful to Mr. Jonathan Ares, staff of Ohana Elderly Care, Inc., Mr. Michael Folkes, Pastor Mateo Gomez, and Compassionate Heart Hospice staff for Gloria’s care. In lieu of flowers, donations in our mother’s memory should be made to the charity of your choice or Compassionate Heart Hospice in San Dimas, CA.