Gloria Jean Paul born in Anacortes, Washington, October 19, 1946 was the daughter of Arnold (Ray) and Betty Paul. She was raised in Toledo, Oregon and received a business degree from Lane Community College. Gloria was the beloved wife and best friend to Stephen Albright. They met in in Newport, Oregon and began their family in Portland, Oregon. After spending time “roughing it” in Alaska, the couple settled in Billings, MT in August 1976. They would be celebrating 57 remarkable years together this September.

Gloria built a successful tax practice over the last 40 years, serving thousands of clients whom she considered family. An active member of the National Association of Enrolled Agents, she served as a local chapter officer and received national recognition from the IRS for exemplary service. Gloria will be remembered for her kindness, professionalism, and the care she showed to her clients.

In life she enjoyed many activities, skiing, square dancing, collecting antique dishes, camping and exploring with Stephen on the side-by-side ATV. She had many adventures traveling, including finding a mammoth tusk on the Yukon River, bicycling in Morocco, rafting in Spain and a spicy mule ride into the Grand Canyon. At 74, she survived 3 nights alone in the Lewis and Clark Forest after being separated from her family with only a bottle of water and a helmet. By the grace of God, she was found 8 miles off trail near a cattle trough. Those who know her, credit her survival to pure determination and the inability to give up. This spirit to find strength in oneself is the legacy she leaves to her family.

Passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026 following a heart attack and is at peace. She is survived by her husband – Stephen, three siblings Richard, Nancy, Tommy; and her children – Traci and Tye. She was blessed with many grandchildren and great grandchildren that she loved. Her grandchildren — Derek, Katelyn, Micah, Dalton and Tessa; and great‑grandchildren – Daxton, Kyra, Kierra, Kasey, Adaline, Demonte, Dakari and Aylani.

A cherished member of her family and community, Gloria will be deeply missed by relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 am, Saturday 8/29/26 at Michelotti-Sawyers. Donations can be made to the Montana Special Olympics, a mission she has always supported.