Gloriene Jane Clum

Gloriene Jane Clum, 89, of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away peacefully on May 18, 2025, after living a long and joy-filled life surrounded by love.

Born on October 6, 1935, in Boone, Iowa, Gloriene was the daughter of Clifford S. Sternquist and Leota Mae McNew. She grew up in a close-knit family with her sister Anna Mae and twin brothers, Larry and Jerry. Her early years were filled with laughter, trips to the movies, and roller skating—an activity she loved so much she brought it into her first job as a roller-skating carhop.

After graduating high school in 1953, Gloriene embraced the expectations of the time and married Kenneth Crandall. Together, they welcomed their son Jack in 1954. Gloriene began her professional journey in the insurance industry before finding her true calling in public service.

She later married Donald McElwee, and their family grew with the births of Rod in 1958 and Rhonda in 1960. Gloriene dedicated many years to the State of Iowa, serving her community with commitment and care.

In 1983, during a vacation in Tucson with her sister Anna Mae, fate intervened when she met Ivan John Clum. A long-distance romance blossomed, and John—who lovingly called her his “Sweet Lady”—eventually convinced Gloriene to join him in Arizona, where they built a beautiful life together.

Gloriene continued her public service career with Maricopa County until her retirement in 2001. She and John shared a deep love for travel, regularly visiting their hometowns and reconnecting with friends and family across the country. Their lives were rich with connection, laughter, and enduring relationships.

Gloriene will be remembered for her kind heart and generous spirit. She cared deeply for others—no matter who you were, where you came from, or what you believed. Her compassion was universal and unwavering, and she made everyone around her feel seen, heard, and loved.

She is survived by her brother Larry, her children Jack Crandall, Rod McElwee (Mel), and Rhonda McElwee, and her stepchildren Debi Love (Les), Barbara “Bobbie” Trollope (David), and Kathleen Renee Clum. Gloriene was a devoted grandmother to John, Brant, Clinton, Keith, Joseph, Johnathan, Anthony, Samantha, Justin, and Clint, and a proud great-grandmother to nineteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband John; her siblings Jerry and Anna Mae; her stepson Larry; and her grandson Anthony.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Saturday, June 7, at the Light House Church of God, 3006 Aspen Rd, Overgaard, AZ 85933.