Gloria L. Lucas

Gloria Lynn Lucas, 62, of Grants Pass, Oregon, slipped from the arms of her family and many friends on Wednesday morning, December 26, 2018, at Royale Gardens Health & Rehabilitation Center. She had been battling throat cancer there for one month and also fought HIV-AIDS for more than 27 years.

She was born December 31, 1955, in Encino, California, to Jack and Barbara Diltz. Gloria graduated from William H. Heart High School in Newhall, California, where she was a member of the California Civil Air Patrol, a cheerleader, and was interested in drama class.

She married David Allen Lucas in 1972. They were blessed with the births of Christopher Alan Lucas in 1973 and Bridgette Mae Lucas in 1974.

In her career, she became the first woman licensed in California to manage a collection agency, then became a California Certified Paralegal and Private Investigator, continuing this career in Medford, Eugene and Bend, Oregon. Gloria finally settled in Grants Pass in 1992, to be near her family, where she lived until cancer and AIDS took her life.

Gloria was a founding Member of the Rogue AIDS Network for several years in the 1990s. She voluntarily lectured at area high schools concerning communicable diseases and their prevention.

Her main interests were her children and grandchildren, Christian history and Bible study, her beloved pets and gardening (which earned her the family nickname of “Plant Guru.” She was a friend to many in need, generous and affectionate.

Gloria was baptized at River Valley Church on April 4, 2015.

Gloria was preceded in death by her older brother, George Daniel Diltz; and younger brother, Matthew Brian Diltz.

She will be missed by her son, Christopher Lucas; daughter, Bridgette Lucas; mother, Barbara L. Diltz; grandchildren, Stone Johnson (Lucas), Gaea, Kali and Alexander Lucas, Krystle Dixon and Steven Johnson; four great-grandchildren; one niece and one great-niece; and many friends.

Hull & Hull Funeral Directors was in charge of her funeral on January 2, 2019

A graveside memorial is planned in spring 2019 at Hillcrest Cemetery, which will be her place of eternal rest.