Gloria was born on June 9, 1936, in Hume, New York, the daughter of Elwin and Dororthy (Rork) Bliss. On the 20th of June in 1953, in Wellsville, she married the love of her life, Clifford W. Johnston who survives.

Gloria was the matriarch of a large family that included many more than her immediate family. She was a caregiver and an accomplished chef and restaurant manager.

During her life, Gloria, worked as an operator at the telephone company in Wellsville, at Air Preheater, and with her family she opened Hilltop Restaurant in Richburg. Later, she moved to Salamanca to manage the Dudley Hotel. She moved back to Bolivar with her husband to retire, but not quite ready to give up working, she joined ACCORD Corp. to work with children in their after-school program.

Gloria and Cliff were married for 72 years. She was the glue that held her family together. Through good times and bad, Gloria was their rock, putting her family’s needs before her own.

She is survived by her husband, Cliff; her children Lee (Melanie) Johnston, Jody (Scott) Atkins, Cindy (Dennis) Feldbauer, and Marvin (Michele) Johnston; a daughter in law Shannon Johnston; and she was delighted to have 12 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 5 great- great grandchildren; as well as her extended family and many friends.

She was predeceased by a son Cliffie Johnston and a brother Ronald Bliss.

There will be a graveside service Monday, December 29, 2025 at 11am at the Richburg Cemetery.

A Celebration of Life for Gloria will take place at a later date.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Bolivar.