Gloria Jeane Hermanson

1944 - 2022

Gloria Jeane Hermanson

July 19, 1944 - June 3, 2022

SUN CITY, AZ - Gloria Jeane Hermanson was born on July 19, 1944 in Williston, ND, to Arthur and Lillian (Lee) Hermanson. She joined a sister, Sandra, and a few years later a brother, Steven, came along. Her early years on the ranch with horses and the badlands near Alexander, ND, were her best and favorite memories.

In 1958 the family moved to Helena, MT, and Gloria's life changed dramatically. Now in a much bigger town and school, she was forced to find new ways to express herself and she took up baton twirling - performing many half-time shows and other performances with her fire batons. During those years she worked for an attorney and it was there she met many influential political figures. She learned things that shaped the rest of her life and put politics in her blood.

Three days after her graduation from Helena High School Gloria was on a plane to Washington, DC, for her new job with the FBI - a terrifying step for a young farm girl. The FBI later transferred her to Las Vegas, but she soon tired of the town and the strict protocol of the FBI, resigned and joined her sister, Sandra in California for a short time. But the excitement and intrigue of DC drew her back and she went to work on Capitol Hill for the Senate Finance Committee. She met and married Buzz McCabe, and her daughter, Marni Lee, was born. She and Buzz later divorced and Gloria and Marni returned to Montana where she worked for the Montana Aeronautics Commission. A relationship was re-kindled with a high school flame and she married Gordon Tripp, moved to Ukiah, CA, for Gordon's work and there they welcomed their son HG (Buck) Tripp. While there Gloria obtained a California Teacher Certificate and taught adult education. Upon their return to Montana, Gloria worked with her father and brother in a farm machinery dealership and then joined Mountain Bell as the Consumer Affairs Manager. In 1988 she left 'Ma Bell' and formed her own business - Communications Strategies. With her keen knowledge of the legislative process she became a lobbyist for varied clients and was appointed the Executive Director of the Montana Academy of Ophthalmology. For a time she also served as the Director of South Dakota's Ophthalmology organization.

Gloria served on so many Boards and Committees it is impossible to list them all as her opinions, her ability to get things done and willingness to fight for the cause were sought by many. Governors, Senators, Representatives, lobbyists and people in high positions counted her as a friend and colleague or a very worthy and respected adversary. Her natural curiosity led her to seek knowledge in many areas. She rode motorcycles, jumped out of airplanes, gained her pilot's license, traveled much of the world, effected positive change, mingled with the powerful and ran with the big dogs. She made a difference.

Gloria was a valiant fighter - for her children and grandchildren, her legislative clients, her "Eye Doc's," for Women's Rights and her beliefs. She fought three different cancers over 15-years until finally losing the battle on June 3, 2022 ,in Sun City, AZ.

Gloria is survived by her children: Marni Lee Galli (Jeff) of Sun City, AZ, and Buck Tripp (Mary) of Helena MT. Her grandchildren: Taylor (Ian)Stewart of Abilene, TX, Tori Hermanson of Helena, Jayden Tripp (Tom Quinn) of Helena, Tanner Tripp (Madison Lammers) of Helena; four great-grandchildren: Maisie, Maddox, Sienna and Scarlett; her siblings: Sandra Edwards of Oakland, CA, and Steve Hermanson (Vicky) of Helena, MT; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate Gloria will be held at 3:00 PM at Buck and Mary Tripp's residence, 8480 Twin Peaks Road (near Canyon Ferry Lake) on July 19, 2022, what would have been her 78th birthday.