Gloria Jean Martinson, 79, of Columbus, Nebraska, died Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Emerald Care and Rehab in Columbus.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 13 at 10:30 AM, at Gass Haney Funeral Home with Pastor Randy Longacre officiating.  Interment will be in Columbus Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:30 AM until service time at the funeral home.  Memorials may be directed to those of the donor's choice.

Gloria was born March 7, 1945, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to John and Inez (Moss) Rongish.  She grew up in the Beatrice, Nebraska, area before the family moved to Shelby, Nebraska, in 1962.  Gloria graduated from Shelby High School in 1963.  She later attended Platte Community College.  In 1967, Gloria was united in marriage to Douglas Martinson in Shelby.

Gloria and Doug lived in Omaha from 1964 – 1968.  During his time in the military, they lived in Oklahoma, Texas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and five years in Germany.  They moved to Columbus in 1985.  Gloria worked for the Columbus Telegram for five years before her retirement.  Gloria enjoyed crocheting many things for the family as well as designing family calendars.  She loved playing cards and visiting with friends.

Gloria is survived by:
Son – Edward (Geneva) Martinson of Bowling Green, MO
Grandchildren – Andrew (Kelsey) Martinson of Bowling Green, MO; and Meredith (fiancé Kyle Daugherty) of Bowling Green, MO
Daughter – Rebecca Martinson of Lincoln, NE
Sister – Mary Rongish of Columbus, NE
Brother – John (Cheryl) Rongish of Lincoln, NE
Brother – Jeff (Judy Benson) Rongish of Fort Collins, CO
Sister-in-law – Gail Rongish of Columbus, NE
Several nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and fur babies

Gloria was preceded in death by:
Parents – John and Inez Rongish
Brother – Ernie Rongish
Sister – Pam Rongish
Sister – Nancy (Gary) Hernbloom