RENSSELAER
Gloria Jean McElfresh, age 79, of Rensselaer, Indiana, passed away on March 5, 2026. She was born on June 20, 1946, in Rensselaer to Keith and Mae (Garling) Culp.
Gloria graduated from Rensselaer High School with the Class of 1964 and later completed cosmetology school. She was a longtime employee of the Rensselaer School Corporation, where she worked in food service and previously served as a school bus driver. She also worked for more than 20 years at White Castle Bakery.
Gloria was a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church and was formerly involved with the Red Hat Society. She enjoyed many creative hobbies, including reading, baking, sewing, painting, furniture reupholstery, gardening, and making artificial floral arrangements and Christmas decorations. Gloria especially loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing games with them and caring for her family.
She also generously volunteered her talents with Little Angel Gowns, creating clothing for babies from donated wedding gowns.
Gloria is survived by her children, Mandy (Tom Branson) Miller, Rick (JoAnn) McElfresh, and Dennis (Samantha) McElfresh; her grandchildren, Clayton (Jessica) Miller, Connor (Lauren) Miller, Luke (Jori) McElfresh, and Logann (Ben) McElfresh; and her great-grandchildren, Charley Miller, Coleman Miller, Cain Miller, and Laken McElfresh. She is also survived by her siblings, Duane (Phyllis) Culp and Marlene (Larry) Pullin, and by her former husband, Robert McElfresh.
She was preceded by her parents, Keith and Mae.
Friends may call on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CT at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. CT, with Father Joshua Bennett officiating. Interment will take place at Osborne Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Food Pantry or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
To share memories and/or condolences, please visit www.jacksonfuneral.com
