Obituary: Avis Gillaspie

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In memory of

Avis Gillaspie

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 85

Avis S. Gillaspie was born April 24, 1923 in White Lake, South Dakota the daughter of Earl and Hazel (Sheely) Schilling. At the age of two the family moved to a ranch northeast of Midland. In 1926 her mother died and Avis and her brother, Lawrence, moved back to White Lake where they made their home with their paternal grand- parents, Harry and Lizzie Schilling.
She started the first grade in White Lake and in 1930 she moved with her grandparents to Midland, South Dakota. She graduated from Midland High School in 1941.
As a young lady she worked for Archie Joy as a bookkeeper. In 1945 she spent six months at the Black Hills Ordinance Depot in Provo. She returned to Midland to take care of her grandpa and she also returned to work for Archie Joy.
Avis was united in marriage to John J. Gillaspie on April 30, 1945 in Midland, South Dakota.
After their marriage, they made their home in Midland until October 1945 when they moved to a ranch north of Midland, where John worked for Western Cattle Company. In May 1946 they moved onto their own farm-ranch northeast of Ottumwa where they resided until 1957 when they moved into Midland. While in Midland they operated a Blacksmith Shop until 1971. Then they moved to the Sivage Ranch near Four Corners where they lived and worked until 1977. In 1977 they moved to Ord, Nebraska where they owned and operated a café and lounge until moving back to Midland in 1990. In 1991 they moved onto the Sandbo Ranch in the Deep Creek Community where they worked for Bill Markwed until the fall of 1995 when they retired and moved into Midland.
Avis was a member of St. Williams Catholic Church in Midland, Midland American Legion Auxiliary, and a member of the Midland Senior Citizens Center.
Grateful for having shared her life include four sons, John L. of Hot Springs, Ken of Pierre, James (Sharon) of Pierre, and Rocky and friend Leesa Hodgin of Midland; four daughters, Evie Abrahamson (Doug) of Bowman, North Dakota, Marilyn Hoyt (Jim) of Ft. Pierre, Mary G. Schofield (Vincent) of Midland, and Delores Suminski (Carl) of Broken Bow, Nebraska; a daughter-in-law Marilyn of Midland; eight grandsons; seven granddaughters; eleven great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; Judy Gillaspie of Rapid City; special friend of the family Linda Hodgins of Rapid City; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
     Avis was preceded in death by her husband John J. "Bud" Gillaspie on November 14, 2004; two sons, Ronald L. Gillaspie October 7, 1999, Conrad J. Gillaspie on February 2, 2000; one son and one daughter in infancy; one grandson Dean Joseph Gillaspie; her parents; and one brother Lawrence Schilling.
     Visitation was held 6-8 p.m. on Monday, September 22, at the St. Williams Catholic Church in Midland, with a vigil service at 8:00 pm.
     Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, at the St. William's Catholic Church in MIdland, with Father Ron Garry as celebrant.
     Interment was in the Midland Cemetery.
     A memorial is established.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Tuesday, September 23, 2008 – 10:00 a.m.
St. William's Catholic Church
Midland, South Dakota

CELEBRANT
Father Ron Garry

MUSIC
Barb Petoske – Pianist
Barb Jones – Cantor
“Amazing Grace”
“How Great Thou Art”
“Just A Closer Walk With Thee”
“On Eagles Wings”

LECTOR
Eleanor Zuccaro

ALTAR SERVER
Brody Jones

USHERS
Jerry Nemec - Mark Nemec

PALLBEARERS
Avis's Grandsons
Jay Gillaspie - Cody Gillaspie
Michael Schofield - Daniel Gillaspie
John D. Gillaspie - Tim Gillaspie
Joe Gillaspie - Aaron Olson

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
Avis's Granddaughters
Vicki Daly Chrystal Wright
Connie Gillaspie Katey Gillaspie
Katherine Gillaspie Jessica Gillaspie
Abbie Gillaspie

INTERMENT
Midland Cemetery
Midland, South Dakota

Visitation: 6-8 p.m. on Monday, September 22, at the St. Williams Catholic Church in Midland
Vigil Service: 8:00 pm. Monday, September 22, at the St. Williams Catholic Church.
Mass of Christian Burial: 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, at the St. William's Catholic Church in MIdland.
Interment: Midland Cemetery.

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To Mary,Vicki,Mike,Rocky & the rest of Avis' family
I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's/grandmother's passing. I remember her with a smile on her face each time we saw her. I wish you many memories that put a smile on your face and peace in your hearts as you go through this time. If there is anything we can do to help, don't hesitate to call.
God Bless,
Wes, Nicki, & James ~ Nicole Nelson Midland (9/18/2008)
For Avis Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. It is so hard to loose your mother and grandmother. Mother loved Avis to death, maybe they are having that great visit we will all someday join. Jada and Family ~ Jada Udager Belle Fourche (9/18/2008)
So sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Avis was a wonderful lady and she will be greatly missed. (Especially those Christmas letters) ~ Danny Peterson dlthpeterson@sbcglobal.net (9/18/2008)
Sorry to hear about you Mother. Just remeber that when things get tough all you have to do is ask God and he will carry you in His hands. ~ Teresa Rupe Pierre, SD 57501 (9/18/2008)
Avis family: You all have our deepest sympathy and our prays. Glenn & Rose ~ Glenn & Rose Marrington 313 S Harrison ST, Pierre, SD 57501 (9/18/2008)
Mary and Family, I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. Let me know if there is anything that I can do, I would be more than happy to help.
God Bless
Terri ~ Terri Pelle Philip (9/18/2008)
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. I know you have many happy memories because we were fortunate to be part of some of them. Your Mom was the greatest Aunt. If she wasn't teaching us to play cards she was crocheting blankets for our kids. She will be missed but she will live in our hearts forever. ~ Pete & Theresa Grgurich Bellevue Nebraska (9/18/2008)
My prayers are with each of you. I have many memories not only of your mother, but your dad and brothers. Most especially a 4th of July. She was a fine lady. May God hold each of you in the palm of his hand and comfort each of you.
Charlie ~ Charles H. Walker 431 South Taylor Ave, Pierre, SD 57501 (9/18/2008)
Our thought and prayers are with your family. Your Mother was a wonderful person. She loved her family very much.
God's Blessings to each of you. ~ Vaun & Katrina Hewlett and Family 2105 E Dakota Avenue Pierre, SD 57501 (9/18/2008)
So sorry for your loss. You are all our thoughts and prayers. I wish we could have made it home. Avis was such a nice lady to me. Your family is a great one. God Bless. ~ Kathy (Larson), Bob and Garrett LaDue 9802 Dutch Creek Drive Anamosa, IA (9/18/2008)
Evelyn, Marilyn, Mary: I know this is Late; but am still sorry for your loss. Lossing a Mom is tough and especially one that you were close to; she was a great lady. Always smiling and happy. She was a great model for young girls. Time does help with the loss and God is a great source of comfort and strength. May God bless you in your future days. Joyce ~ Joyce (Vollmer) Williamson Rapid City (9/18/2008)