Gloria Ann (Melum) Bigej

Date of birth  - March 13, 1940

Date of death  - April 18, 2026

Published May 4, 2026

Gloria Ann Bigej (Melum) passed away peacefully at her home in Canby, Oregon, on April 18, 2026, surrounded by family. Born March 13, 1940, in Oregon City to Cecelia and Arnold Melum, she graduated from Molalla Union High School in 1958.

In 1959, Gloria married Robert (Bob) Bigej. Together they raised four daughters and joined the family business, Al’s Fruit and Shrub Center, in 1966.

An avid sports fan and golfer, Gloria was a longtime member of the Willamette Valley Country Club and a dedicated Oregon State Beavers supporter. Deeply committed to the welfare of children, she volunteered for Friends of Doernbecher for 30 years.

Gloria is survived by her daughters, Kristi (Tim) King, Karla (Ted) Schumaker, Kaeleen Holmgren, and Kim Bigej (Mike King); seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Judy Heyerly, Arla Melum, Kenny Melum, and Donny Melum. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Gary Melum and Sheryl Robertson.

Her zest for life and commitment to her family and community will be deeply missed.

Memorial Mass will be on Friday, May 29, 2026, St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 417 Washington St., Oregon City, OR 97045. Rosary will start at 10:30 am and Mass at 11:00 am Celebration of Life Reception following at 1:00 pm, The Willamette Valley Country Club, 900 Country Club Place, Canby, OR 97013.

Donations may be made online in Gloria’s memory to the Doernbecher Children’s Fund via https://give.ohsufoundation.org.