Gloria McKinney

Gloria E. McKinney
December 20, 2025

Gloria Edson McKinney passed away peacefully in her sleep on December 20, 2025, in Barrington, Illinois, at the age of 98. Gloria was born in 1927 in Rockford, Illinois, to Cornelius “C.J.” and Jeanette Edson. Her father owned Edson Motors, a successful car dealership in Rockford, and her mother was a teacher, homemaker and talented pianist.

After graduating from Rockford East High School, Gloria attended Iowa State University, where she graduated with a degree in Home Economics, later becoming a dietician at Grinnell College.

While attending college, Gloria met the love of her life, Luther McKinney. She knew from the moment they met at a college dance that he was the one for her. They were married soon after at the Log Lodge at Sinnissippi Park in Rockford. Gloria always liked to tell people how her mother made all the delicious food for the wedding reception.

As newlyweds, Gloria and Luther moved to Fort Sill, an army base near Lawton, Oklahoma, where he served as an artillery instructor. After Luther’s discharge from the Army, they moved back to Rockford where their first child, Karyn, was born, followed a few years later by a son, Scott, and daughter, Beth. Gloria was blessed with three adorable children, and she thrived in her role as a young homemaker and mother. She was a Lutheran who practiced her faith through prayer and Bible study, and she made sure that her young children attended church regularly and were raised to appreciate traditional Christian values.

After Luther began his legal career at a Chicago law firm, later moving to Quaker Oats, the family relocated to Chicago's northwest suburbs, eventually living in Mt. Prospect, Barrington, and on a farm near Hebron, Illinois. Gloria loved country living and looked forward to planning her spring and summer flower gardens every year. Over the years, Gloria and Luther raised Black Angus cattle and grew sweet corn and vegetables, selling most of the produce at their roadside farm stand and on weekends at the Woodstock farmer’s market. Gloria also took great pleasure in raising quarter horses alongside her three children. During her free time, she was an avid reader and a talented fiber artist skilled in the crafts of knitting, needlepoint, and embroidery.

After Luther’s retirement, Gloria helped him start a tree nursery at their farm, which they named Country Corners Nursery and Farm Market, where she served as gift buyer and manager of the nursery’s gift store. It was a retirement they had always envisioned: embracing a quiet life on a farm, far from the clamor of city life and surrounded by the picturesque landscape of northern Illinois.

When Luther passed away in 2013, Gloria returned to Barrington, remaining at The Garlands for the rest of her life, where she was pleasantly surprised to find so many familiar faces and Quaker alumni among the residents. She cherished the lovely, park-like setting, the exceptional staff, and especially her “Donut Thursdays” with the girls and watching Hallmark movies.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Cornelius “C.J.” and Jeanette Edson; her husband of 63 years, Luther McKinney; son Scott McKinney; and brother Cornelius “Jim” Edson. She is survived in love by her daughters, Karyn McKinney (Jeff Church) and Beth (Mark) Ritchie; granddaughter Laura Ritchie (Michael Poenar); and nieces Jaymie (Robert) Batutis and Jennifer Evans.

The family wishes to extend its deepest appreciation for the extraordinary care provided by JourneyCare Hospice and the dedicated staff at Prairieview at The Garlands. A private memorial service will be held at Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary in Cary, Illinois. Memorials may be made in Gloria’s name to JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington.