Ruth Marie Gillespie, 100, died at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023.
A graveside service was held on Tuesday, June 27, at Shipman Cemetery. Kravanya Funeral Home in Bunker Hill assisted the family with arrangements.
Mrs. Gillespie was born on March, 8, 1923, the daughter of Sidney William Reno and Marjory (Leak) Reno. Her mother died following child birth, and her father married Genevia Leak, who soon became the mother Mrs. Gillespie would know and love. On August 24, 1940, she married Lloyd Gillespie, and he preceded her in death in 1988.
Mrs. Gillespie’s was a homemaker. Following the return from war, Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie were active with the American Legion. Along with raising her children, Mrs. Gillespie helped a good friend of hers, Unma Beckham, at the Shipman Lumber Company. She always looked forward to spending time with her special friend, Mary Jean Reno, working at the Red Cross Blood Bank.
Mrs. Gillespie partnered with her mother, Genevia, to purchase a small farm. Mr. and Mrs. Gillespie would go to the farm nearly every evening to feed calves and pigs. Her brothers lived close enough to help with answering questions. Mrs. Gillespie would often share farm stories with Bill Schoenman at church.
Mrs. Gillespie is survived by her children, Janet (Robert) Kykendal of Hillsboro, MO, Larry (Sandy) Gillespie of Shipman and Gerry Gillespie of Bunker Hill; brother, Don (Joan) Reno of Medora; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Russell and Virginia Reno, and Mary and Ernie Sons; daughter, Sondra Marie; grandson, Gerald Gillespie; and a daughter-in-law, Debbie Gillespie.
Memorials are suggested to Shipman Food Pantry or the American Red Cross. Condolences may be left online at www.kravanyafuneral.com.
