Gloria June Autry

Gloria June Diener Autry went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 3, 2014 after suffering a massive heart attack. Her passing came with no warning and was a complete surprise to all. Gloria was born to George and Freda Diener in the San Bernardino area on March 10, 1934. The family was completed by a sister, Nancy, two years later. Gloria began violin lessons at the age of seven after falling in love with the sounds of an orchestra and particularly the violins. She progressed rapidly and attended the All State California High School Symphony in Santa Barbara at the age of 13. Gloria acquired the chair of Concert Mistress one year at All-Cal. At the age of 17 she married Roger Leon Autry, another violinist she had known through her church as well as various musical groups. The couple taped their own wedding music (violin duets) for the ceremony that took place at the First Christian Church in San Bernardino. They began their married life in a little house on the chicken ranch owned by Roger’s parents. Their son, Stephen, was born in 1953. Upon graduation from mortuary college, Roger, Gloria and little Stephen moved north where Roger took a job at Welch-Ryce Funeral Chapel in Santa Barbara. Very early on the couple looked for an orchestra to join. Gloria contacted Stephan Krayk whom she had met during her All California Symphony days. In 1955 she and Roger joined what is now the Santa Barbara Symphony. Beverly was born into the family in 1956. Gloria continued as principal second violin through the years until 2010 when she stepped down from the position, but not from the symphony. She was scheduled to retire from the Santa Barbara Symphony on May 18, 2014 after 59 consecutive years. Gloria was planning a celebration dinner the morning of her passing. While most known for her musical talent, Gloria had many things that made her life complete. She was known by friends and family as a fantastic seamstress. She could make anything from a Stretch and Sew men’s leisure suit to a stuffed elephant, to beautiful quilts and clothing. She was a Deaconness and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church for many years. She also sang in the choir and played many violin solos during worship services. She grew beautiful gardens, kept the lawn weed-free and painted the house when needed. She co-authored the Color Coded Allergy Cookbook which published in 1982. She has enjoyed several years as a member of the Sansum Clinic Auxiliary. Gloria leaves several projects she planned to work on after her retirement. Among them are several quilts, family history and scrapbooks. Gloria was a giver. Her giving spirit was a gift from God to all of us. Her faith in Jesus and His sacrifice for us was something she never doubted. We miss her but will be reunited in the courts of heaven. Gloria is survived by: sister-Nancy Smith-Grandview Washington son-Stephen Autry-San Luis Obispo Daughter-Beverly Curren and her husband Roger-Santa Barbara Granddaughter-Kristen Pluhar and her husband Jesse-Ventura Granddaughter-Holly Curren-Milwaukee, Wisconsin Granddaughter-Melody Curren-San Luis Obispo Visitation may be made at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel at 15 E. Sola Street, Santa Barbara, Monday, May 12, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A memorial service celebrating Gloria’s life will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 736 W. Islay Street, Santa Barbara at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 13, 2014. Flowers may be delivered to Calvary Baptist Church from 9:00 a.m. to noon, or donations may be made at www.musicacademy.org or www.thesymphony.org.

Gloria June Autry

March 10, 1934 - May 3, 2014