Gloria Cauhape

Gloria Hess Cauhape

April 14, 1928 to April 22, 2026

Gloria Hess Cauhape passed from her peaceful sleep into heavenly eternity with our Lord on April 22, 2026, at the home of her devoted daughter and son-in-law in Fort Worth, Texas. She had only recently celebrated her 98th birthday.

Gloria was a first generation American. Her parents, William Otto Hess and Emma Aellig Hess, immigrated from Switzerland in the early 20th century. W.O. was a skilled tool and die maker and draftsman resulting in the family moving often. Gloria, born in Detroit, Michigan, said that she and her brother, Donald, seldom would attend the same school for two years.

Gloria attended Houston’s Lamar High School, but graduated from high school in Dearborn, Michigan, in 1944. Returning to Houston, Gloria went to business school and worked for three years as a secretary for ARMCO (Steel). She would later become a legal secretary for the prominent Roswell law firm of Hervey, Dow, Hill & Hinkle. At 95, she was amazingly still able to take accurate dictation in shorthand.

While in Houston, Gloria’s curiosity had been drawn to a newspaper ad seeking a “governess” for a ranching family near Carrizozo, New Mexico. She didn’t, at that time, know whether she was suited for that work, or anything about New Mexico, but, as she would later regale her family, she “just wanted an adventure!” And what a glorious adventure it was!

She must have made quite the impression. First, she tried to quit. But her new boss implored Gloria to give it two weeks. Of course, she ended up staying and grew to love the Southwest and ranch life. Gloria also made an impression on Jean Cauhape Clardy-- so much so, that Jean would introduce Gloria to her brother, a young handsome available rancher and Army veteran. John Pierre Cauhape, Jr., of Pinon, NM. They married in 1950, and were the best of parents to John Clayte and to Emily.

Gloria would become the perfect rancher’s wife. Smart. Tireless. An instinct for the business side of ranching. With her creativity, every day on the remote ranch was the adventure she had sought. Gloria’s hand-made braided rugs, needle-point pillows, realistic painted tin flowers, and many other of her works of art make for cherished family heirlooms. She worked with the lawyers, accountants and financial advisers, developing a shared mutual love and respect, so that she and Johnny could weather the storms ahead and even help with grandkids’ education down the line.

Gloria and Johnny were always committed to excellence in ranching. They strove to always improve their sprawling Cauhape Anchor Ranch. In 1998, this was recognized by the New Mexico Wool Growers’ Association with the prestigious Sheepman of the Year Award.

In 1985, Gloria and Johnny experienced the parents’ joy of hosting a beautiful wedding for their daughter, Emily. A week later, however, they experienced the heartache of losing their son, John Clayte, then 33, in fatal helicopter accident. Although never fully filling that void, grandchildren Clayte Austin, Erin, and Caroline, would bring new and boundless pleasure and pride.

In 2001, tragedy struck, again. Gloria’s faith, strength, and resilience was evident. She was daily at Johnny’s side, as the wind beneath his wings, after the accident--a powerful testimony of love and marital devotion. She and Johnny were forever grateful to all who were with them on this journey.

As her health declined, she left her cherished southwestern home to live with Emily and Randy in Texas. They loved having her, and made every effort to bring her happiness. She delighted, as her grandchildren had children, in keeping up with all of them through photographs and videos that displayed, in turn, on a digital picture frame that brought her much joy.

On a night that had hopefully brought her wonderful dreams of the best of her many decades of adventures, Gloria went to peaceful sleep to awaken to her final and most magnificent adventure: the wonderful eternal adventure in heaven. Her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, her beloved Johnny, Clayte, and many others had long awaited her arrival.

She will be missed by the following surviving family members: daughter, Emily Louise Cauhape Fluke, son-in-law, Randall L Fluke; grandchildren, Austin (wife Lauren, children Riley and Avery), Erin Dunlap (husband Graham, child Harrison), and Caroline Erck (husband, John, children George, twins Hallie and Catherine); niece, Lou Whitcomb (Bob); nephews Dan Hess (Cindy), David (Shelly, children Riad, Taylor); Cauhape and Casabonne cousins as well as French and Swiss cousins.

She is preceded in death by many, including her parents and brother Donald Hess, and his wife, Laurica.

A memorial will be held at the First Baptist Church of Roswell, NM, on July 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to Gloria’s favorite charities, such as your local church, the Assurance Home, or Meals-On-Wheels of Roswell, NM.