Marilyn M Gillis

Marilyn M Gillis, 79, passed away surrounded by her family and many friends in Bremerton, Washington where she has resided for the last 3.5 years with her daughter, Susan. Marilyn was born May 7th, 1934 in Aromas California and raised in Priest Valley until she married, at which time she then resided in Long Valley with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, George R Gillis, her brother George Palmer and her parents Nelson and Ethel Palmer of Priest Valley. She is survived by her 4 children, Vicky (Gary) Rugger, Susan (Sidney) Williams, David (Kathy) Gillis and Roberta (Larry) Birdwell. She was blessed with 8 grandchildren Elisa (Jason) Bennett, Sidney (Jessica) Williams Jr, Patrick (Keri’Ann) Gillis, Sarah Rugger, DJ (Cassandra) Birdwell, Lindsey Birdwell, Caleb (Christina) Williams and Casey Birdwell. From these she has 9 great grandchildren, Tyler, Paige and Lily Bennett, Andrew and Dylan Williams, Henry Birdwell, Naomi and Josiah Birdwell and David L. Gillis. Marilyn is also survived by her siblings Ted (Donna) Palmer, John (Virginia) Palmer and Della (Jim) Mozzini and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marilyn has loved animals all of her life, which led to many years in 4-H, first as a member and then later as an adult. For over 20 years, Marilyn served as a 4-H leader, teaching her students important life skills such as canning, sewing, cooking and giving back to their community. Marilyn served her community in various ways over her life, including serving on the San Lucas School Board. She was also active in the Salinas County Fair as a participant, a judge and the entry office supervisor. Later in her life, she was active in the Republican Women’s Group and her home church of Grace Lutheran in King City, California. Marilyn has brought happiness to many with her creations, whether it’s a bridal dress or wedding party dresses, cheerleading outfits or even alterations to make something fit just right.

While her husband George was alive, she loved to travel to see all the grands, and later the great-grands or to Wyoming for yearly hunting trips with lifelong friends. After the loss of her husband, Marilyn moved to Washington to live with her daughter Susan, where she became Grandma Gillis to everyone at Apostolic Life Tabernacle. She will truly be missed.