Funeral services for Gloria Ruth Tilman, Age 83 will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Yarber Mortuary, Mountain View, Missouri, with Pastor Bill Ritter officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 2:00-3:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Veterans Cemetery, Mountain View. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
Gloria Ruth Tilman entered her eternal rest on October 23, 2025, while surrounded by her caring family at her home in West Plains, Missouri. Gloria lived an abundant life within her eighty-four years, and her final wish for her family and friends encompasses the spirit of her life: “I thank God for you and LOVE YOU very much.”
Born Gloria Ruth Goodrich on May 13, 1941, to Harry C. Goodrich and Nellie M. Goodrich, Gloria’s life began in Klamath Falls, Oregon. After kindergarten and elementary school in Oregon and California, she attended high school in both Los Molinos, California, and Dora, Missouri, where she graduated. Gloria married her sweetheart Alva “Al” S. Tilman on April 5, 1958, at the First Church of God in Red Bluff, California. Gloria and Al were married for sixty-seven happy years at the time of her passing. Their union welcomed three children: Daniel, Patricia, and Mary, who brought Gloria and Al many grandchildren and great-grandchildren to enjoy.
Gloria cared greatly for her family and considered herself blessed with many good friends and extended Tilman family. Becoming a Christian in her twenties, Gloria faithfully served in churches throughout her life. In each Church of God congregation, she and Al attended, she served as the organist and lent her musical talent in worship. She served in roles as treasurer and Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees. She embraced all people and sought opportunities to serve. Gloria’s wish is that her loved ones follow Jesus in life and meet again in Heaven. Gloria was involved in the greater community during her retirement years, often visiting the senior center and hosting card games. She was a member of the Ozark Sassy Lassies and danced with Ron & Mary’s Line Dancers. She and Al enjoyed traveling and established many friendships in their RV years. Gloria will be remembered for her playful and fun-loving spirit, embodied most by her love of cards, games, and dancing.
Gloria is survived by her husband and children, Daniel E. Tilman and wife, Dawn of Springdale, AR, Patricia “Patty” A. Cook and husband, Harold of Mountain View, MO, and Mary E. Newman and husband, Barry of Willow Springs, MO. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Michael Zitter and wife Mary, of Mountain View, MO, Keith Rush of Cleveland, OH, Stephanie Lee and husband, James of Mountain View, MO, Monica Rush and fiancé, Josh Divine of Ozark, MO, Brandon Zitter of Mountain View, MO, Chelsey Hammond and husband, Jeremy of Springdale, AR, Derrick Zitter of Mountain View, MO, Baylee Cook of Lawrence, KS, and Caleb Cook of Mountain View, MO. Her great-grandchildren: Deion and Caden Lee, Nyriah and Callie Wilson, Halli and Kyler Divine, Alexandra and Ainsley Rush, Aubree and Zaylee Zitter, Brock, Emma Grace, and Jackson Hammond, Taylor, Heidi, and Gretchen Zitter. Additionally, Gloria had a bonus bunch of eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren welcomed by marriage. Also surviving Gloria is a brother, Harry Goodrich of Red Bluff, California, and a sister-in-law, Jeanne.
Proceeding Gloria in death are her three brothers, James “Buzz” Goodrich and wife, Polly, Raymond Goodrich and wife, Patricia, Harold Goodrich, and her sister, Anita Buckley. Also proceeding her in death are her parents, Nellie M. Dorland and Harry C. Goodrich, and grandparents, Merwin and Ethel King and Art and Grace Goodrich. Among those also greatly missed are several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
