Glory Stack

December 18, 1953 - August 5, 2020
Glory Stack

Gifts & Memorial Donations



Glory Stack, 66, passed away at her home on Wednesday afternoon, August 5, 2020, after a hard fought seven-month fight for life after an operation that did not go as planned.  Born in Beloit, Wisconsin on December 18, 1953, she was the daughter of the late Joanne and Elmer Sumka.

Glory was known as a kind and thoughtful person, while always standing up for what she wanted and was always competitive.  She earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, graduating from Rutgers University, the only female in her graduating class.  As part of that class, she was selected to join a National Student Competition Team.  They designed and flew a small plane, utilizing a Volkswagen engine they rebuilt.  Her team won 1st place in the competition, beating MIT.  She was the first female to be hired to the GE Industrial Turbine Technical Marketing team, a position she was first told was not “proper” for a woman.

She continued a career at several large companies and regional businesses, including starting her own franchise business.  From a group of over a dozen new franchises, Glory’s was the only franchise to last more than a year and the only one to be profitable.  She was also the director of a local Dublin Ohio City Arts Council.  She ended her professional career to take care of her mom, who became a widow and eventually suffered from Alzheimer’s.  Helping her mom battle Alzheimer’s was her biggest fight until her own personal fight.  Glory’s main disappointment in life was not becoming a Life Master in ACBL Bridge, another 6 months and she would have made it.

Glory was a faithful and active member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church.  Her faith was strong, and she greatly enjoyed her weekly Bible study sessions.

Glory managed to tent camp in 48 of our National Parks, as well as travel around the world:  Israel, Croatia, Slovenia, Italy, Greece, the Baltic, Scandinavia, Ireland, the UK, the Caribbean, Cambodia, China, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Tahiti, Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos, Machu Picchu and even Canada…

Glory was preceded in death by her parents and is survived by her husband of 40 years, J. Fred Stack; her brother, Jim M. Sumka and his wife, Erin of Basking Ridge, NJ; her niece, Niki and nephew, James.

Funeral services for Mrs. Stack are eleven o’clock, Wednesday morning, August 12, 2020 in the Shuler Funeral Home Chapel, 125 Orr’s Camp Road, Hendersonville, NC with Father Christian Cook officiating.  The family will receive guests from 10:00 – 10:45 AM prior to the service in the funeral home.  Inurnment will be two o’clock, Thursday afternoon, August 13, 2020 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hendersonville, NC.

Those wanting to promote the memory of Glory and some of her traits — Kindness to all, Dedication to cause, Competitiveness to win and high Integrity, please consider donating to the Glory Stack Memorial Scholarship Fund (524 Courtland Blvd, PO Box 998 Mountain Home NC 28758-0658) which provides Scholarship funding for two individuals from Henderson County, at a four year college or university.

Glory will be forever missed by her loving and devoted husband, family, and many dear friends.  May God Grant Her Eternal Rest.

https://www.facebook.com/shulerforestlawnfuneralhomes/videos/637815306872211


Service

Wednesday, August 12, 2020
11:00 AM

Shuler Funeral Home Chapel - Directions
125 Orr's Camp Rd.
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Burial

Thursday, August 13, 2020
2:00 PM

Forest Lawn Memorial Park & Mausoleum - Directions
538 Tracy Grove Road
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Visitation

Wednesday, August 12, 2020
10:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Shuler Funeral Home Chapel - Directions
125 Orr's Camp Rd.
Hendersonville, NC 28792

Purchase Flowers

Subscribe to this Obituary

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • December 18, 2023
    Birthday Greeting from Jim lit a candle:
    Lit since December 18, 2023 at 12:04:49 AM

  • August 05, 2023
    Jim Sumka says:
    With You in Mind ... Glory Kno that I deeply miss you ... but when I gaze nightly towards the Heavens, I am at Peace.... for I still witness your Glow! Love You! 💘

  • August 12, 2020
    Jim Sweet. Friend says:
    My deepest condolences, Fred. Working with Glory at GE Houston in the early '80's when she was their first female turbine specialist was special. She didn't care what the "good old boy" customers thought of her, and never took no for an answer. She just kept coming at them again and again. Her hundreds of millions in orders demonstrated that her remarkable intelligence, persistence, and sense of humor could win over even the most die-hard sexists. The business world was a tough place for women in 1980 (especially in Houston), and her efforts helped pave the way for other women to win respect as well. She was a true trailblazer and should be remembered as such. My heart is heavy tonight.

  • August 17, 2020
    Chip Boyle says:
    I only knew Glory at the bridge table. Always a warm smile and kind word. A quiet, studious competence. Now, realizing her background from reading about her, I appreciate why she always took time to review her performances with partner Fiona. Always learning. A mistake happened once and was never repeated. Glory was a gift to our Tryon bridge club. She will be missed. Our thoughts rest with her family and friends. Life deals cruel blows to the innocent. Rest well dearest Glory and save a warm seat for your many bridge friends.

  • August 14, 2020
    Billie mullick says:
    I met Glory on our trip to Japan just three years ago and then we travelled again to Croatia last year. We bonded and felt we had known each other forever. She was warm, smart and funny. Loved her community, and her Friends, adored her dog and her beloved husband. We shared so many laughs on our trip and were planning our next one. She was an amazing person and I feel lucky to have known her. I miss her but Will cherish the memories. Our deepest condolences to you Fred. It is hard to lose a partner but think of all the joyful and special moments you shared with Glory. She will watch over you from heaven.