Gloria Maxine Holtry "Gabby T. Clown" was born on November 7, 1923 in Topeka Kansas to Gus and Emma Ruth (Abbott) Swanson. She died in Conway Springs, Kansas on Saturday, June 13, 2009 at the age of 85. She lived most of her life in Wichita where she was employed for almost forty years at South Western Bell. After her retirement in 1984, she went to clown college and became "Gabby T. Klown". She was a member of Kansas Clown Ally #45. Gloria brought much happiness to young and old alike both in her act and in life. She received an award in Las Vegas as "Gabby". Gloria was a member of United Methodist Church where she was an active in SAM Club. She was also active in the VFW #112, the "over 28 dance club", "Positive Christian Singles", Foster Grandparents and AT & T Pioneers.
Preceding her in death were her husband, Bill Holtry; grandson, Mathew Thomas Pawley and great grandson, Jarrid Whitwell.
Surviving are her two daughters, Betty Whitwell and Mary Pawley; four grandchildren, Eddy Whitwell, Dana Hageman, Rebecca Brown, and Scott Pawley; five great grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2009 from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. with family present from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Old Mission Mortuary.
Funeral Service will be held, Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Old Mission Mortuary Chapel. A balloon release and reception will follow with burial in Wichita Park Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Kansas Humane Society or Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.
Gloria was loved and will be missed. She's leaving the world a better place because of things she has done.