Therese Grace Gill of Southwest City, Missouri died Friday, October 14, 2016 at the age of 88. She was born on June 9, 1928 in North Wales, PA. to the late Peter and Helen Van Kleef. She resided in California for 72 years and had moved to Southwest City to live with her daughter. Growing up in North Wales, Therese lived on a farm where her father raised livestock and worked for the railroad. Her mother took in laundry. The six children worked early on to help keep the family afloat. As a youth, Therese worked for a truck farmer, selling fruits and vegetables from a horse drawn wagon. After her father died, she and her mother took the train to CA. where three of her siblings had moved.
She married James Albert Gill on August 9, 1946 in Southern CA, and to this union 4 children were born. They moved to Northern CA. 10 years later to a small farm in Shasta County. Being a true country gal, Therese populated the farm with horses, cows, hogs, chickens, goats, sheep, dogs and cats. She loved going to the livestock auction and buying newborn calves to bottle feed. In the 70's, Jim and Therese moved to a ranch in Tehama County, raising cattle, sheep and hogs on a larger scale. Raising cattle became Therese's greatest passion which lasted until her death.For 15 years Jim and Therese raised the oldest granddaughter, driving her to many horse shows, even to Oklahoma City for the National Appaloosa Show. After moving to Southwest City,
Therese enjoyed drives in the country, seeing green pastures full of cattle and hay. Checking cows with her granddaughter during this calving season was a big treat. She appreciated the beauty of McDonald County and the friendliness of the people here, making many new friends in a short time. Therese attended First Baptist Church in SWC and especially liked AWANA night and visiting with the children. She loved her family and friends and being with her great-children.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, James Gill on January 2, 1998, her infant daughter, Stephanie Ann in 1947, and 5 siblings, Anne, Mary, Helen, John and Pete.
She is survived by her children, Cynthia Ross of Southwest City, MO, Jerry Gill of Kingman, AZ, Annette Pochop of Anderson, California, grandchildren, Tisha Lewellen, Anderson, CA, Joel Cimarron of Athens, GA, Jessie Lindquist of Southwest City,Mo, , Tyler Pochop of Anderson, CA, great grandchildren Gracie Lewellen, T.J. Lewellen, Lively Cimarron, and Sydney Lindquist, sister -in-law, Jean Gill of Newport Beach, CA , her beloved canine companion, Chi Chi, and many other family members and friends.
She has been taken for cremation and no immediate services are planned.
Arrangements are by Ozark Funeral Home, Anderson, MO.
No comments:
Post a Comment