Gloria Castleton Waddoups
Gloria Castleton Waddoups ~ February 23, 1947 – January 27, 2025 ~ written by her husband, Royal Waddoups
Gloria was born in Payson, Utah to John N. Castleton and Floris June Potts of Eureka, UT. She joined siblings George, Lavon, and Nick; Elizabeth and Charles later made the family complete. The Castleton family enjoyed time outdoors, family dinners, and extended family get-togethers. The presence of cancer was significant in her extended family, taking the lives of two of Gloria’s aunts and her mother before Gloria finished high school. She attended school in Eureka, graduating from Tintic High as the class of 1965 valedictorian, and then attended Utah State University in Logan, graduating in elementary education, library science, and art in 1969. At USU she met Royal Waddoups; after several months of dating, the two exchanged letters, pictures, and heartfelt gifts while Royal served 30 months in the Italian mission. They were married May 29, 1969 in the Logan temple. Royal’s teaching career took them to Grace, ID, then back to Logan. From there, they moved to Ririe, ID and in 1975 moved to Moore, ID where they lived for 21 years and raised their family of 8 children: Corey, Sarah, Chad, Greta, Neal, Jocelyn, Jace, and Lorene.
Throughout her life, Gloria provided many hours of service to others, including through her church callings in the Relief Society, Young Women’s, and Primary organizations. She lived with faith in Jesus Christ and sincere belief in a joy-filled eternity. This led her to serve her family with love and respect and she extended the same to others as she volunteered in the community and served in the Church.
As her children grew older, Gloria taught at Arco Elementary and Butte Middle School. In 1996, the family moved to Springville, UT and Gloria taught and was librarian at Mount Loafer Elementary in Salem, UT. In 2008, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She retired from teaching in 2012 and spent the next few years traveling the backroads of the western U.S. with Royal in their convertible, plus a memorable month in Rome, Italy in 2015. In 2016 they moved to Preston, ID, and had many good friends and neighbors there. In 2022 they moved to the Lyman area south of Rexburg to be closer to family as her Parkinson’s progressed. In November 2024, Gloria moved to Sage Grove Memory Care, under care of Aspen Home Health & Hospice, in Rigby, where she passed away on January 27. Her family is grateful to her doctors and caregivers for their kind help and care.
Gloria is survived by her husband, Royal, their 8 children and spouses, 30 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and her siblings.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 29 at the Moore ID Stake Center (3100 North 3350 West) at 12:00 PM, with family visitation before and after the service. Burial at 10:00 AM at Lost River Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson Family Funeral Home. Please, no flowers. In lieu of, please donate to Parkinson’s or cancer research, or to your local school’s library.
A zoom link has been provided for those not able to attend the services in person. https://zoom.us/j/96157502451
Sincere sympathy to the Waddoups families. She was a lovely person. I enjoyed working at the elementary school I. Arco with her. Our thoughts are with you. Jeff and LaRae Allen. Challis Idaho
Gloria was a very special person in so many ways. I remember that when our mom was sick and bedridden for some years before her passing, it was Gloria who took over as the mother of the family. She planned and prepared meals, cleaned the house, all while never receiving credit in fact she didn’t do it for the glory, she just jumped in and did what needed to be done and most of the family hardly noticed how hard she was working. This she did while still keeping up her studies, getting straight A’s in school, leading the cheerleading squad and being involved in many school events. I remember coming home from an out of town basketball game around midnight and Gloria was on her hands and knees scrubbing the kitchen floor. I ask if she really shouldn’t already be in bed and she said, well, yes, I should be, but the kitchen floor was dirty so I decided to do this first. That was the kind of person that she has always been.
To you Royal and your family we give our condolences at the passing of your sweet wife. I remember when we hired you at Springville high school and knew that you would be great with kids and you were very appreciated by those you worked with.
We pray all goes well with your family during the viewing , the funeral and days to follow.
Lynn Patterson
Sending my Love and Condolences to the Waddoups family. Gloria was a sweet and very special lady. It was a privilege to be able to take care of her. I always feel her sweet spirit whenever I was around her. She will be missed terribly…
Our deepest sympathies to the Waddoups family at this time. Gloria was always a gentle, kind soul. Royal, you are the best—you are in our prayers and thoughts as well. Our very warmest regards to your entire family at Gloria’s passing.
With love and friendship,
Chris and Shauna Frossard
My sincere sympathy to everyone in the Waddoups family during this time of sadness and sorrow. Treasure your lifetime of happy memories and the endless blessings God has given to each of you. May your hearts be blessed forever and ever.
Sue Glenn
My sincere condolences to all of the Waddoups family. Im so grateful I was able to spend time with Gloria (aka mom). Mom and I shared a love of barns…..I treasure the time that we took a drive just to look for barns! What a fun time that was. I am thankful that I was able to be a recipient of her crochet work. One day while visiting her she was looking for something new to try makiing. I came up with an idea of a soup bowl holder. I told her that I usually use a dish towel when I have a hot bowl and I want to sit on the couch and eat. I showed her some photos of what I was talking about and the next thing you know I had three soup bowl holders made for me!! I use those all the time and will continue to do so. I am so glad to have something that I know her love and time went into every stitch. My soup bowl holders are a new treasure to me!! I will miss you mom, but know that I will see you again one day. ♥️