OBIT – Velma “O’Reilly” Gillette

Velma “O’Reilly” Gillette, 95, a lifelong resident of Girard, Kansas died at 1:15 p.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the Medicalodge Nursing Home in Frontenac, Kansas.
Velma was born June 4, 1919 in Girard, a daughter of Patrick and Harriet (Peak) O’Reilly.  Velma grew up in Girard and graduated from Girard High School.
Velma married Carroll W. Gillette on October 12, 1940 in Coalgate, Oklahoma.  Carroll preceded her in death on November 11, 1999.
Velma was a devoted lifelong member of the Kincaid Memorial Church, now the First Baptist Church, in Girard.  Her faith was an inspiration to all who knew her.  She enjoyed her church activities, quilting, and the Girard Music Club.  Most of all, she was devoted to her family.
She worked as a cook in the Girard School Cafeteria from 1963 until retiring in 1984.
Survivors include sons Dr. John C. Gillette and his wife Linda of Fredonia, New York; Kelly Gillette and his wife Irene of Pittsburg, Kansas; daughters Carma Gomes and her husband Ed of Richmond, Virginia; Betty Rubin de Celis and her husband Pablo of Jacksonville, Illinois; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a sister, Lucy Pyle McFall of Girard.
Velma was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Edwards; an infant son, Stephen Gillette; a sister, Harriet Hendricks; brothers Justus O’Reilly, George O’Reilly, Dr. Robert O’Reilly, and Patrick Arthur O’Reilly, Jr.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday at the First Baptist Church in Girard with Pastor Scott Bennett officiating.  Burial will be in the Girard Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday at the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home in Girard where friends may call after 1:00 p.m., Friday.
Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Girard and these may be left at the church or the Smith-Carson-Wall Funeral Home, 518 W St. John, Box 258, Girard, 66743.
Condolences may be sent to www.wallfuneralservices.com