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BELLINGHAM, Washington — Gloria Craven, 92, of Bellingham, Washington, died early on March 29, 2022, surrounded by family at Whatcom Hospice House from complications of heart disease. She was born in Durango, Colorado, on Dec. 27, 1929, to William and Dorothy Dixon Pheney, who had two other daughters, Gail (Rowan) and Dorothy “Dixie” (Lemon).
Her family relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, where Gloria graduated from University of Nebraska at Omaha. In November 1951, she married James C. Craven from Springfield. Gail had married Tom Rowan and they introduced Gloria to Jim Craven, a friend of Tom’s from college and from their military service in Japan at the end of World War II. Gloria and Jim settled in Springfield and raised four children, all of whom survive: William (Terri Tork) of Bellingham, Nancy (James Claypool) of Portland Oregon, Donald (Denise) Craven of Springfield, and Rebecca (Scott Linneman) of Bellingham. She is also survived by her sister Dixie, grandchildren Joseph (Alyssa) and David Craven, Anna and Meg Claypool, and Charles and Dorothy Linneman, and one great-grandchild, James Craven. Her husband, an attorney and retired appellate court judge, died in 2015.
Gloria was a very active parent to her children, all of whom participated in a wide variety of sports, music, scouting, and other activities, including many extended family camping vacations across most of the United States. Jim and Gloria enjoyed many trips to Sanibel Island, Florida, with the Rowans, and sailing on Lake Champlain with Gloria’s sister, Dixie, and her husband, Dr. Henry Lemon. All four of Gloria’s children attended college and law school. Gloria was active with several civic organizations in Illinois, especially the League of Women Voters, where she became the state vice president at the time when the Equal Rights Amendment was before the Illinois General Assembly. Gloria actively lobbied for the ERA for several years in what was a key state for the passage of that constitutional amendment, which ultimately did not pass in Illinois until 2018.
Meanwhile, she had returned to college to complete a master’s degree in Public Administration from Sangamon State University in Springfield. She resigned from the League of Women Voters to become the assistant to the deputy director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, where she was the liaison between the agency and public groups including the state Legislature.
Upon the retirement of her husband, Gloria and Jim moved to Ashland, Oregon, where they lived for several years and enjoyed the sun, the Shakespeare, and the company of many friends and visitors. In 2011, they moved to Bellingham to be near (and to be cared for by) her daughter, Rebecca, and her family in their home overlooking Bellingham Bay. Gloria enjoyed three-generation living. She became an uncanny forecaster of spectacular sunsets and rarely missed an evening update with Judy Woodruff. She was a keen student of national and world events. Gloria enjoyed many classes with the Academy of Lifelong Learning and, as a voracious reader, was part of several book clubs. She fell in with a rowdy group of WWU retirees and enjoyed their companionship immensely.
At her request there will be no services. The family will gather for a private celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial contributions to the Whatcom Land Trust, the Bellingham Public Library fund at the Whatcom Community Foundation, the Bellingham Food Bank or the charity of your choice.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2026 Media Contact Information: Aunt Millie's Bakeries Melissa Koeneman, director of marketing (260) 417-2581 mkoeneman@auntmillies.com
John F. Popp, President of Aunt Millie’s Bakeries
FORT WAYNE, Indiana — Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is deeply saddened to announce the passing of its President John F. Popp, who died on Friday, July 31, at the age of 94. A third-generation member of the family business, John’s leadership, optimism, faith, and unwavering commitment to people helped shape the company and its culture for more than four decades. John Franke Popp was born March 2, 1932, to Lucile and Les Sr. Popp. He grew up with his older brother, Les Jr., on Forest Park Boulevard in Fort Wayne and graduated from Northside High School in 1950. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, graduating in 1954, and entered the U.S. Army that same year. He served as a second lieutenant before returning home following his military service. John was offered an opportunity to begin a career as an analyst with T. Rowe Price, but his path ultimately led him back to Fort Wayne and the family bakery. At his mother’s urging, he returned home to join the business — a decision that would shape not only his own life, but the future of generations of the Popp family and Aunt Millie’s employees. Long before his career in baking, John developed a love for Lake Wawasee and water skiing, eventually becoming the Indiana state slalom water ski champion. It was at the lake that he met Esther Rolene, the love of his life. They married on June 19, 1960, and spent the next decades building a life together, raising two sons and creating countless memories with family and friends. Even with the demands of running a growing company, John made time for what mattered most, including cheering his sons on from the sidelines at their baseball and football games.
John F. Popp and his wife, Esther Rolene Popp
In 1967, John stepped away from the family bakery to pursue a career in real estate, where he developed the subdivisions of Devil’s Hollow, Manitou, Lakewood, West Hamilton Estates, White Loon, and Winding Brook. In 1980, he returned to Perfection Bakeries, where he helped guide the company through a period of significant growth and expansion. The company that would become known as Aunt Millie’s grew under his leadership into one of the largest family-owned baking companies in the United States. John viewed the people around him as an important part of that success. He loved being part of the team and was known for his optimism, encouragement, and genuine care for employees. His leadership was not simply about growing a business; it was about building an organization where people could grow, contribute, and feel that they were part of something bigger than themselves. A third-generation leader of the family-owned bakery founded in 1901, John was deeply committed to protecting and building upon the legacy established by his grandfather, John B. Franke. His influence also reached beyond Aunt Millie’s. He was a passionate advocate for independent bakeries across the country, working with industry organizations to strengthen and protect family-owned businesses. He believed in the importance of education and workforce development and encouraged lifelong learning within the company while supporting the next generation of leaders in the baking industry. In recognition of his contributions to the baking industry, John was inducted into the Baking Hall of Fame by the American Society of Bakers and Engineers in 2021. He also served the state of Indiana after being appointed by Governor Mike Pence to serve on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. While John’s professional accomplishments were many, those closest to him knew that his faith and family were at the center of his life. He cherished Bible Study Fellowship and worshiped at The Chapel and Wawasee Lakeside Chapel. He was quietly generous and found joy in serving others through organizations including the Euell Wilson Center, Women’s Care Center, and Ratio Christi. John enjoyed spring breaks in Florida, trips to Maine, his ’61 Corvette, and working on projects at the lake. He appreciated the simple pleasures of life, but most of all, he loved his family. His greatest legacy will not be measured solely by the company he helped build, but by the family he loved, the people he encouraged, the lives he touched, and the values he carried with him throughout his life. “John Popp believed that success was built on people,” said Rick Brown, Chief Customer Officer. “He cared deeply about our employees, our customers, our communities, and the generations of families who have made Aunt Millie’s a trusted name. His leadership was defined by humility, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to doing what was right.” John’s passing leaves a tremendous loss for the Popp family, the Aunt Millie’s family, and the many people and organizations whose lives he touched. While the company mourns his loss, Aunt Millie’s leadership team remains committed to carrying forward the mission, values, and legacy John championed throughout his life. Daily operations will continue uninterrupted as the company moves forward under its established leadership plan. The Popp family extends its heartfelt appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy and support received during this difficult time. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date. About Aunt Millie’s Bakeries Founded in 1901 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Aunt Millie’s Bakeries is one of the largest family-owned bakeries in the Midwest, serving customers across six states with fresh bread, buns, rolls, bagels, and other baked goods. For more than a century, the company has remained committed to quality, innovation, and serving the communities it calls home.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 21, 2026 Media Contact Information: Michael Korman, highway commissioner North Township Road District (847) 728-7055 mike.korman@northfieldtownship.com
Northfield Township Road District’s Phase II project placed in Group 1, the top tier, of MWRD’s 2026 Stormwater Partnership Program; construction could begin as early as 2027
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