Gloria Jean Stokes, a hard worker who ran nearly every aspect of the kitchen in the College’s dining hall during a career that spanned nearly three decades, died April 25 at the age of 75.
Formerly of Walhonding, Ohio, Stokes was living at The Grove at Oakleaf Village in Columbus at the time of her death. She was born April 4, 1950, to the late Donald E. and Virginia L. (Haines) Wilson, and married William Francis Stokes, who preceded her in death last year, on June 7, 1968.
Her career at Kenyon — most of it with Aramark dining services, but most recently with AVI Foodsystems — covered nearly three decades prior to her retirement around 2007. She began as a cook before moving into an assistant manager position, according to Theresa Ewers, AVI office manager at Kenyon.
“Gloria worked just about all positions in the dining hall,” Ewers said. “She was such a hard worker and liked very much by everyone — a sweet, sweet and very kind lady, great coworker and a dear friend.
To the longtime employees who were her coworkers — including Rochelle Arck, Sherri McGough, Rose Pitsenberger and Teresa St. Clair — Stokes is remembered for her sense of humor, her infectious laugh, and her kindness.
"Gloria was a beautiful person inside and out,” St. Clair said. “She was kind and worked harder than anyone here. She was always willing to help everyone."
Her son, Jake Stokes, works for AVI at Kenyon as a receiver, and her daughter-in-law, Liza Stokes, also worked at the dining hall for a time.
Outside of work, Stokes was passionate about sports, supporting everyone from local high school athletes to the Ohio State Buckeyes to professional teams in Cleveland. A longtime volunteer for the East Knox Athletic Boosters, she spent years cooking before games for the East Knox High School football team, which her husband coached and both of her sons played for.
She is survived by her sons Brian (Terri) Stokes of Columbus and Jake (Liza) Stokes of Walhonding; grandchildren Kylie Stokes, Garrett Stokes and William Stokes; brothers Greg Wilson and Bob Wilson; sister Debbie (Dean) Davis; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Funeral services took place on the morning of April 30 at Fischer Funeral Home in Warsaw, Ohio, followed by burial at Valley View Cemetery, also in Warsaw. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Zusman Community Hospice at Wexner Heritage Village in Columbus.