Gloria Ann Johnson Litwiller was born to Jefferson Lavern and Edna Giesbrecht Johnson on October 3, 1946, at Mercy Hospital in Moundridge, Kansas. On August 23, 2025, with her family surrounding her bedside, the angels came and she peacefully went home to join that heavenly choir. At the age of two, together with her parents and baby sister, they moved from Hesston, Kansas, to Walnut Hill, Florida. Her childhood and youth were spent in Florida, where her father and Uncle Orval operated a dairy farm in partnership. The two families, living on the same yard, allowed the cousins to grow up almost as brothers and sisters. This close relationship with her cousins was special to her.

She received her education at Ernest Ward School in Walnut Hill, Florida, attending through the 10th grade.

During a revival in 1958, she felt the call of God and gave her life to Him. She was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite on May 10, 1959. She was faithful to these vows all her life. At the age of 17, on December 15, 1963, she was joined in marriage to me, Ervin Litwiller. We enjoyed 61 years together. Our first years of married life were spent on my family’s farm near Ithaca, Michigan. It was here that our first son was born. In March of 1966, we moved to Almena, Wisconsin. Two more sons and one daughter were born to complete our family. She enjoyed working on the dairy together with me. While choring one evening, we received word that her Daddy had been taken away suddenly in an auto accident. This tragedy affected her deeply. Her mother later married Clarence Schneider. The step brothers and sisters of the Schneider family were dear to her.

She faithfully supported our dad as he was called to the office of the deaconry in November of 1976. We remember the many times we helped set the table and prepare for a table full of company. Many people received her handmade gifts of love. Mom was quiet by nature, but we knew her faith was strong. We had a praying mother and her greatest desire was that we be saved. She dearly loved her children and grandchildren.

Gloria was a lover of music from early childhood. She and her sister Grace spent many happy times singing and memorizing songs. She was gifted with an innate sense of music. Mom enjoyed teaching this love of music to us and many others, leading children’s singing for many years. Mom also loved birds, we all remember her equipped with field glasses and a bird book, searching for the unknown singer.

As her memory loss became more apparent, dad faced the challenges and lovingly cared for her at home. Eight years ago, she moved to Autumn Leaves, where she was cared for until her death. We are especially grateful for the loving care of the Autumn Leaves staff.

Those left with cherished memories are her loving husband, Ervin; three sons; Wade and Kathy, Starbuck, Minnesota; Steve and Chris, Almena, Wisconsin; Paul and Rhonda, Elkton, Virginia; and one daughter, Diana Litwiller, Almena, Wisconsin; 18 grandchildren, and 34 great-grandchildren; one sister, Grace and husband Chester Jantz, Oakwood Manor, Brooksville, Mississippi; two brothers, Mark and wife Patricia, Walnut Hill, Florida, and Mervin and wife Diana, Barron, Wisconsin; two brothers-in-law, Alvin, and Virgil and Andre; three sisters-in-law, Anita Wiebe, Jean Helms, and Gaila Litwiller; and many nieces and nephews and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law, three brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, one nephew, and one infant great-granddaughter.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, August 27, 2025 at Gospel Mennonite Church, rural Almena, WI with Ministers Arlen Wiggers, Tom Millsap, Ben Campbell officiating. Burial will be in Bethany Cemetery. Pallbearers are Marcus Litwiller, Mitchell Litwiller, Jonathan Litwiller, Barry Litwiller, Jaylon Litwiller, and Brady Litwiller. Honorary pallbearers are Jeffrey Litwiller, Jeremy Litwiller, and Sylvan Litwiller. Visitation will be from Tuesday, August 26, 2025 3:30 PM - 5 PM and 6 PM - 8 PM.

Last Update: Aug 26, 2025 7:04 am CDT