Gloria Riojas McCreary, age 80, peacefully entered heavenly rest on Friday, August 31, 2023, in New Braunfels, TX. Her faith grew as she deepened her relationship with Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She was born on December 19, 1942, to Patricio and Rosa Ramos Riojas in Nixon, TX. She was currently living in Sequin, TX after spending most of her adult life in California.

Gloria graduated from Nixon High School in 1962 and from Mary Hardin Baylor University in 1966 with a degree in pre-med. She continued her medical career and attended the John Sealy School of Medicine in Galveston, TX. Gloria studied medicine and worked at John Sealy, where she remained at her mother's side until she passed away on Christmas of 1969. Thereafter, she moved to California to live with her sister and family, Lucia R. Marquez. Gloria tutored her nieces and nephews, as well as worked in food research in the University of California Davis area where she met Don McCreary.

In 1977 Gloria married Don McCreary in Verdi, NV. For the next 20 years they lived an adventurous modern day shepherd's life in the outdoors. Numerous times, she commented that these were the "best years" of her life. Summer found them in the Sierra Nevada Mountains near Truckee, CA, managing the grazing of 3,000 sheep. When fall came, the sheep were trucked back to the valley in Northern California. Gloria managed the lambing barn during the critical time of "lambing out" the 3,000 ewes. Lambing is the one time of year the sheep rancher produces their product. Gloria was "masterful" in running an efficient, productive lambing  barn; and the herders learned very quickly to respond to her leadership skills. Sheep are much like we humans. They need a lot of shepherding just like we need our Shepherd, Jesus Christ, to shepherd us. Gloria loved her dogs and had over a dozen highly intelligent herding dogs and three domestic pets. She always spoke of leaving her remaining resources to animal groups.
After the lambing business, Gloria settled in Winters, CA where she taught in Esparto and later in Winters High School for approximately 17 years. She taught and mentored numerous students and would help anyone looking to advance their education. Gloria believed that education breaks the wall of poverty between people and their dreams. She was a disciplined instructor respected and loved by peers, parents, and students alike. She was a highly gifted and intelligent teacher, in addition to being the Rambo of detention hall. Her gardens were full of pottery and gifts from her students. Her backyard had full grown trees gifted to her by her friends when she moved into her home. She retired from teaching and as planned, purchased her first Mercedes Benz. Gloria also loved and raised two young people like a son and daughter into adulthood in her Winters home: Maria Arellano Guzman and Guillermo Escobar, who currently live in California.

She enjoyed cycling, reading, playing tennis, and watching Wimbledon. Gunsmoke with Matt Dillon was her favorite show because of its good values. Her favorite music artists were Janice Joplin, Elvis Presley, and Jimi Hendrix. She enjoyed her home in Winters with her dogs Stanley, Tessie and Cloie. Those close to her knew her as a caring and very generous person. She lived her life helping and doing for others. She enjoyed writing poems and letters to friends and family. Gloria had a dry sense of humor and enjoyed her quiet time. Her favorite saying was "Here is your hat, what is your hurry."

Gloria lived in sunny California for over 50 years and had numerous close friends and neighbors that loved her and will miss her. Gloria was frequently visited by family from Alaska, California, Nevada, and Texas. In April 2022, Gloria moved to Texas to be closer to her sisters: Rosa R. Bustamante of Nixon, TX, Mary De Leon of Dickinson, TX and Natalie Barron of Seguin, TX. Her dream was to be closer to family and enjoy a simpler life in the country around a campfire telling stories.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: Jose Riojas, Severo Riojas, Manuel Riojas, Chon Riojas, Tommy Riojas, Elvira R. Pena, Lucia R. Marquez, and Julia R. Aguirre.

She is survived by Don McCreary of Esparto, CA, along with her siblings, Rosa R. Bustamante, Mary R. De Leon, Natalie R. Barron, numerous nieces and nephews, Maria Arellano Guzman, and Guillermo Escobar. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

A Celebration of Life in Texas is planned in December 2023 on her birthday. The California Celebration of Life will be announced by invitation soon. Memorial Donations and honor gifts can be made to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary at http://www.bestfriends.org or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now .

Those who touch our lives, stay in our hearts forever.