Gloria Bee Clift

Gloria, age 89, of Paloma Landings, passed away on June 22, 2026. She was born January 21, 1937, alongside her twin sister, Glenna - the first twins ever born at the small-town hospital in Clayton, New Mexico

Gloria was raised on a ranch in the dry Cimarron Valley outside of Clayton. Here, she grew up with kittens, baby deer, calves, horses and puppies as her playmates. In 1955 she graduated high school in Springfield, Colorado.

She went on to marry her first husband, George Harvey Clift, who served 20 years in the military. The couple lived in England with their three young sons before moving to California where John was born. Gloria and George had four sons together: Karl, Kent, Gary, and John. Gloria worked as a registered nurse and lay midwife, a calling she carried with her throughout her life.

In the late 1970's, Gloria returned home to New Mexico, settling on the east side of the Sandia Mountains in Sandia Park. There, horses once again became part of her daily life - her horse, Doña, was her most true and faithful companion. Her donkey, Rico, in his straw hat, brought much joy to her life. Later, she reunited with Chuck McKinnis, a classmate from her high school days, the two married, and shared 30 years together before his passing.

In her final years, Gloria's sister Glenna moved in with her at Paloma Landings, which became her new home and family.

Gloria was known for her strong faith, her caring heart, and her kind and generous spirit. Her nieces, great-nieces, great-nephew and grandchildren especially treasured the time they spent with her, riding her horses and soaking up her warmth.

She is survived by her twin, Glenna and her younger sisters Mary Ann and Karen; her sons John, Gary, and Kent; seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Gloria was greeted in heaven by her parents, her first husband George Clift, her late husband Chuck McKinnis, her brother Gary Giles, her son Karl Clift and her Grandson Carson Clift

A memorial service will be held at French's Mortuary, 7121 Wyoming Blvd NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, July 24 at 10:00 AM.