Gloria Wylene Vinall

1934 - 2025

BORN

1934

DIED

2025

About

University of Arizona

Gloria Vinall Obituary

Gloria Wylene Vinall (October 26, 1934 – October 24, 2025), lovingly known as "Grammy," passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona, at the age of 90.

Wylene was born on October 26, 1934, in Carlsbad, New Mexico to Irene and Paul Johnston. She grew up in Tucumcari, New Mexico, where she attended school and met her sweetheart, Kenneth Vinall. They married and shared a beautiful life for 61 years, raising three children.

In 1973, Wylene and Ken moved their family to Tucson, Arizona, where they quickly fell in love with the Sonoran desert sunrises and sunsets. Wylene attended the University of Arizona and graduated in 1977 with a degree of Bachelor Of Fine Arts.

Wylene was an extraordinarily gifted and creative artist, able to capture the beauty of the world through her paintings and words. She had a deep passion for nature, science, the Southwest, travel, flowers, writing letters, design, sports and especially for Christmas-the season she made truly magical. Wylene was most creative at making joy and her deepest passion and greatest joy came from her family.

Her kindness, warmth, generosity, and joyful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She had a unique ability to make people feel loved and supported. It was often said of Wylene that she never met a stranger, just friends she didn't yet know.

Her most recent joy was becoming a great-grandmother to Evvie in 2023, a role she embraced with the same boundless love that defined her life.

Wylene's family would like to give special recognition to her friend, Tammy Romero, whose love and care brought her comfort and joy in her final years.

She is survived by her loving nieces, nephews, and her children;.

Granger Vinall (Patricia) – Children; Granger ll, Greer, Derek, and Trevor.

Georganne Bryant (Tom) – Children; Aidan, Conner, Evvie, Patrick, and Shaylah.

Suzanne Vinall (Cesar) – Children; Kenneth and Kaci

A private graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Tucson.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Spring Days Adult Care Home- 6710 N. Leonardo da Vinci Way, Tucson, AZ 85704.

Casa De La Luz Hospice- 5830 N. Fountain Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85704.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Arizona Daily Star from Nov. 5 to Nov. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Gloria Vinall

7 Entries

Kitty Rafferty

November 10, 2025

Wylene was the sweetest and most talented lady. Her paintings were absolutely beautiful and loved receiving all her Christmas cards every year! They were so magical and really got you into the spirit of Christmas!
Loved the times we spent altogether at Thanksgiving at their house and their cabin....was always such a treat!
I had the opportunity to tag along on a European trip with Georganne to meet up with her mom many years ago. Traveling around Europe with them was a blast and we had a fabulous time!
Wylene will be greatly missed but will be in my heart forever. Love and hugs to the entire family.

Evon Hart

November 7, 2025

I´ll never forget meeting Gloria, and seeing the absolutely stunning art she created. My condolences to the whole family, especially my dear and wonderful friends, The Bryants.

Debi Schwamberger

November 7, 2025

I was Wylene's mail lady for 13 years. There were times that I delivered a package & would sit down & visit with her. What an artist & just lovely interesting lady she was. She will be missed by all who knew her & especially her family that she could talk endlessly about! Paint us some beautiful sunrises or sunsets from heaven please. Debi the mailgal

John A. Marques

November 6, 2025

Granger and family, offering my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom and Grandmother.

Sara King

November 6, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What a precious individual. Wylene was joy personified. She was curious about everything and so encouraging and thoughtful. I have known Wylene most of my life from Tucumcari to Tucson and life in-between. Seventy years is a long time to know someone. I shall miss her. I´ll miss our long conversations on books, art, philosophy, state of the universe, and the projects we were working on. I´ll miss her inspiration and praise to create.
She told me at 90 that she was wondering what she was going to do with the rest of her life, and she said, "I want to just sail my ship peacefully." I guess all I can say is happy sailing and peace be with you. All my love Sara (The photo I included is of one of my favorite paintings she created.)

Vannetta

November 5, 2025

Auntie Wylene, there is a huge hole left with your leaving. I already miss our long phone calls, entertaining me on my many long drives. Love you bunches.

The pictures I´ve added are a couple of my favorite. She is holding my picture of a child in Ghana that I took in 2003, one of my favorite pictures ever. The second picture I love so much. Auntie Wylene was so beautiful. Love you always.

Tammy Romero

November 5, 2025

Wylene wii always be a huge part of my life. She has touched my heart in all of her artisic talents and knowledge of life itself. She will be forever missed.

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