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Fran Gilliss
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Franzella “Fran” Gilliss passed away in the loving presence of her family on Thursday, July 14, 2016, at the Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd, New Rockford, ND. Franzella Mae Brown was born in Rockford Township, Eddy County, North Dakota on August 23, 1931, to Maynard and Frances (Marcotte) Brown. Her grandparents were Alfred and Ethel (Smith) Marcotte and Price and Edna (Culver) Brown. She attended Eddy County schools and graduated from New Rockford High School in 1949, where she was active in music and Future Homemakers of America. Fran enrolled that fall at NDAC (now NDSU) where she majored in home economics, pledged Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and played clarinet in the Gold Star Band. On August 19, 1951, she married Russell L. Gilliss at the Methodist Church in New Rockford. To this marriage six children were born, Barb, Vicky, Roselyn, Buster, Doug, and Bruce. Fran and Russell followed their children and grandchildren faithfully through their music, church, and sports activities. She was an avid Rockets fan, was a Good News Club leader, a Campfire Girls Leader, Cub Scout den mother, and was active in the Republican Party on both local and state levels. She was listed in Outstanding Young Women of America in the early 1960's. She was a member of the Congregational Church. Fran was an excellent cook and homemaker. Her family loved her jelly rolls, homemade fudge, potato salad and western bars. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Russell; and their children, Barb (Roger) Caine, Jamestown, Vicky (Paul) Walker, Lansing, KS, Roselyn Watson, Fargo, Buster (Pat), Bismarck, Douglas, New Rockford, Bruce (Renae), West Fargo. Fran is survived by 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, DeLaura Dodds, Watford City; a brother-in-law Archie (Marveen) Gilliss, Mandan; nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, her brother and sister-in-law Donald and Joy Brown; a daughter-in-law Kristen Gilliss, and a brother-in-law Jackson Dodds.
PRAYER SERVICE: Friday, July 15, 2016 at 7PM in Evans Funeral Home, New Rockford, ND FUNERAL SERVICE: Lutheran Home of the Good Shepherd Chapel, New Rockford, ND DATE AND TIME: Saturday, July 16, 2016 at 2:30PM BURIAL: Prairie Home Cemetery, New Rockford |
Posted Condolences:
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Name: Gregg Held
Date: 12/28/2016
Message: Vicky, So sorry to hear about your mother's passing earlier this year. My own mother passed away in April 2016. Please accept my heartfelt condolence. Gregg
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Name: Betty MacInnis
Date: Sept 4, 2016
Message: Our sincere sympathy. What a lovely picture, as I remember her years ago.
Thanks, Barb I do appreciate seeing these funerals posted. I heard of her death but had no address. Nice seeing you at the reunion last summer
Have a great day& say Hi to your Dad, Love, Betty
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Name: Peggy (Gillis) and Gene Mielke
Date: 7/16/2016
Message: We were so sorry to hear of Fran's passing. We're thinking of you all and remembering a life well lived. Our hearts are full of caring thoughts for you all. With deepest sympathy, Peggy and Gene
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Name: Maurice J. Best
Date: 7/15/16
Message: Dear Barb and Gillis Family,
My deepest sympathy to you for your loss.
Peace, strength, comfort, and courage to all of you.
Sincerely,
Maurice J. Best...MSC/70's
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Name: Pamela Shroyer Schagunn
Date: 7/14/16
Message: Some of my most happy memories of growing up were spent in a Ford station wagon full of kids with Fran Gilliss at the wheel. I side with her family as I too loved her jelly roll & homemade fudge. I just found her handwritten recipe for fudge. Was so hoping to visit with her & Russell in August at LHGS. This is a sad day for me. My sympathies to Russell, Barb& the whole Gilliss clan. I am most thankful to God to have known this wonderful & special woman.
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Name: Dean & Bonnie Gilliss
Date: July 14/16
Message: We are sorry for your family's loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dean & Bonnie Gilliss
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Name: Judy Belquist
Date: 7-14-16
Message: Our sympathy to the whole family. I have fond memories of Fran and babysitting with the kids . She had the best smile! I treasure my last memory "Dancing" with her at LHGS a couple of weeks ago. She smiled and clapped the whole time! I am sorry I will miss the service as we are in CA but my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Name: Dee Bertsch
Date: 7/14/16
Message: My sincerest condolences to the Gilliss Family. Hold your good memories close to your heart. Dee Bertsch, BSC Athletic Department
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