Gloria Kidman Jones Harris

Gloria Kidman Jones Harris, 83, of Carlsbad, California, departed peacefully from her earthly life on December 8, 2024 and returned home to her Father in Heaven. She was born February 3, 1941 in Logan, Utah to Olive Kidman Jones and Eugene Parkinson Jones. She grew up in Wellsville, Utah where she was the fourth child  of six in her family. She loved her three older brothers and two younger sisters. When she was young she loved playing with her dolls and friends beneath the willow tree in her backyard. She also enjoyed helping her mom at Olive’s Confectionary after school, where she spent time making fries, malts, and shakes. She earned money with her paper route and babysitting her nieces.

Gloria graduated from South Cache High School in Hyrum, Utah in 1959. She then attended Utah State University for a year. During that time she met the love of her life, Owen Neeley Harris, from Preston, Idaho. Gloria and Owen were married in the Logan, Utah Temple on September 23, 1960. They have spent sixty-four wonderful years together! Following their marriage, they honeymooned in California and were so enchanted by it that they decided to make it their home, eventually settling in Fullerton, California, where they raised their family for thirty-five years. Gloria and Owen were blessed to adopt all seven of their children, a testament to their deep love and commitment to building an eternal family—a priority that meant everything to Gloria. Her compassionate heart and desire to make a difference in the lives of children led them to become foster parents. Over the years, Gloria and Owen opened their home to nearly twenty foster children, sharing their love and providing a nurturing environment for those in need. 

Gloria had a passion for travel. Gloria and Owen were able to see many places in this beautiful world together. She was an avid quilter and a proud member of the Orange County Quilt Guild, a skilled seamstress, and an enthusiastic collector of dolls and plates. She loved all things pretty and pink! A talented cook and baker, she was also a dedicated homemaker who brought warmth and creativity to everything she did. 

Gloria was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, with a deep and abiding love for her Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. She cherished the temple, finding great joy in attending and serving there. Over the years, Gloria faithfully fulfilled many callings in her wards, including Relief Society, Young Women, Primary, and as the ward Librarian. However, her heart was always drawn to Primary, where she found immense joy in serving and loving the little children. Gloria was a true disciple of Christ, embodying His love through her selfless service and touching countless lives with her kindness and compassion.

Gloria will be remembered for her love, talents, gentleness, perseverance, dedication, and charity. She truly was an “elect lady,” full of grace and beauty, a courageous fighter to the very end, always standing up for truth and righteousness. She will forever be our angel, watching over us now and throughout eternity.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Owen, and their 7 children, David (Iris), Jonathan, Julie Wach (Robert), Angela Woolf (Eldon), Amber, Jessica & Shelly; their 10 grandchildren, Dylan, Breanne, Lauren, Matthew, Alonzo, Ellie, Bryce, Hannah, Nicholas, Gavin; their 9 great grandchildren, Blake, Malia, Penelope, Carson, Brynna, Liam, Madelyn, Nolan, Eros; her brother, Daniel Jones, and sister, Marcia Swartz. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Gordon Jones, brother, Berkley Jones, sister, Marlene McDonald, and granddaughter, Serena Woolf.

A celebration of Gloria’s life will be held on Friday, December 27, 2024, at 11:30am PST at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 3450 Camino De Los Coches, Carlsbad, CA 92009. 

Here is the link to view the service: 

https://zoom.us/j/93367238334?pwd=MCnHSk0lJqCaXvageHrOmHEHnm1XA6.1

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Humanitarian Fund. 

Here is the link: https://philanthropies.churchofjesuschrist.org/humanitarian-services/funds/humanitarian-general-fund/

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