HOLTON – Stella I. Gilliland, 95, of Holton, KS, passed away Monday, May 25, 2009 at Holton Community Hospital. She was born August 30, 1913, the youngest daughter of Harry and Nell Coleman Tutt of Mayetta, KS. She graduated from Denison High School in 1931 and resided in Jackson County all her life. She was a member of Evangel United Methodist Church in Holton.
Stella married Roy A. Gilliland, Jr. on August 22, 1934 in Birmingham, KS. They purchased a farm in Jackson County and lived there for over 50 years. He preceded her in death on November 22, 1991, after 57 years of marriage. She was a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and cherished her family and friends.
She belonged to the Holton Hospital Auxiliary, Northeast Wednesday Club, and Qui Vive study club. She belonged to the Order of Eastern Star and served as past Worthy Matron and as District Aide and received a 50 year pin in 1994. She served on the rural Woodworth school board and was a 4-H leader for many years.
She was preceded in death by her parents, 4 sisters and 3 brothers. She is survived by 2 sons, Keith Gilliland and wife Connie and Kenneth Gillialnd and wife Lydia, both of Holton, 3 grandchildren, Bradley Gilliland and Michelle of Lee's Summit, MO, Joni White and Dennis of Holton, and Jeffery Gilliland of Leavenworth, KS, 8 great-grandchildren and 2 great great-grandsons.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday May 27, 2009 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Denison Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the Holton Community Hospital c/o Mercer Funeral Home P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.