Gloria Jean (Rusco) Chediak, 82, of Lawrence, Kan., died peacefully on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Gloria was born in Great Bend, Kan., on August 10, 1943, the daughter of Orville and Katherine (Schartz) Rusco. She grew up on the family farm, where she developed a lifelong love of animals and a spirit of adventure.
She attended a one-room country elementary school before graduating from Great Bend High School in 1961. A first-generation college student, Gloria earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Fort Hays State University in 1965 and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri in 1968.
Gloria began her career in social work at Larned State Hospital in Larned, Kan. She later became a licensed clinical social worker and worked at the Kansas Neurological Institute in Topeka, Kan. After moving to Lawrence in 1975, she eventually entered private practice, specializing in child and family therapy. She was a member of the Kansas Society for Clinical Social Work and the National Association of Social Workers.
Gloria devoted herself to raising her two children and spent countless hours as a school volunteer and activity coordinator. She served as den mother for her son’s Cub Scout group, hosting weekly meetings in the family room. She put her talents to work supporting her daughter’s activities as well, sewing dance costumes, baking for fundraisers, and driving around Kansas City in search of the best gymnastics, volleyball, and basketball equipment.
Her maternal nature extended to her children’s friends. She took a genuine interest in their lives and was always willing to be “the chauffeur.” Gloria delighted in opening her home to guests and loved both entertaining and being entertained by them. She was known for her boisterous laugh, fun-loving spirit, and great sense of humor.
An avid collector of dolls and figurines, Gloria proudly displayed her collections throughout her home. She doted on her cats, all of whom had been adopted as strays. She was also politically active and a fierce advocate for women’s rights, volunteering on numerous local political campaigns.
Later in life, Gloria enjoyed road trips to nearby towns and places of historical interest, often accompanied by her best friend, Carol. She cherished time with her grandchildren and enjoyed the company of friends, neighbors, and relatives.
Gloria was preceded in death by her brother, James Rusco, and her sister, Vaunita (Rusco) Schnell.
She is survived by her husband, Dr. Elias Chediak of Lawrence; her daughter, Lea (Chediak) King of Basehor, Kan.; her son, Mark Chediak, and his wife, Lousie Paige, of Berkeley, Calif.; three cherished grandchildren, Reece of Basehor, Kan., and Felix and Lucian of Berkeley, Calif.; her beloved nieces and nephew; and her many wonderful cousins.
A visitation will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, September 4, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Lawrence, followed by a funeral Mass at 10 a.m. and a reception at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lawrence Humane Society at https://lawrencehumane.org/.