Gloria D. "Glory" Redding, 90, of Mercer, died early Thursday morning, Oct. 18, 2007, at Seasons of Life Hospice House in Woodruff. The former Gloria Oakes was born July 27, 1917, in Lake Nebagamon, Wis., daughter of the late Elmer and Esther (Andberg) Oakes, and graduated from high school there. She received a teaching certificiate from Superior State Teachers College, and later, a masters degree from the University of Wisconsin in Superior. Gloria taught in various school districts in Wisconsin until moving to Mercer, where she taught 5th grade at the Mercer Elementary School until her retirement. Following her retirement, she worked at Marlen Realty and Ponik Realty in Mercer for many years. Gloria was an active member of the Mercer United Methodist Church, where she served as organist for many years, and played in the old little white church in Mercer before the new church was built. She also served as chairperson of the church administrative council and in many other leadership positions. She loved to drive, and spent her winters in Florida, but thoroughly loved the Northwoods. She enjoyed gardening and traveling and was an avid fisherman, enjoying annual fishing trips with friends in Canada. Gloria loved people and serving God. She was always willing to lend a hand and encourage others, and will be deeply missed. On June 10, 1942, she married Roger Redding in Bessemer, Mich. He preceded her in death on Nov. 27, 1972. Surviving are a niece, Carol Sanderson, Olathe, KS; a nephew, Roger Weisflog, Arizona; a great-niece, Wendy Weisflog, Arizona; two cousins, Helen Oakes and Nancy Iverson; Chad Wilson, the son of one of Gloria's cousins; and many other family members and friends, including longtime close friends Ken and Sally Licht, Marlene Lameka, and Ceil Brandt. Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 22, at 10 a.m., at the Mercer United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Larry Olson officiating. Luncheon will then be served in the church fellowship hall. Committtal services and interment will follow in the Lake Nebagamon Cemetery, Lake Nebagamon. Friends may call at the church beginning at 9 a.m. on Monday. Pallbearers will be Gary and Brett Mears, Don Grapentine, Pastor Larry Olson, Ken Licht, and Richard Kemplin. Memorials are preferred to Seasons of Life Hospice House, 8951 Woodruff Rd., Woodruff, Wis., 54568; or to the Mercer United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 573, Mercer, Wis. 54547. To view Gloria's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visitmckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick and Engstrom Funeral and Cremation Services of Ironwood and Hurley