VaLeda Maxine Gilliam

VaLeda Maxine Gilliam, age 92, passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on April 4, 2016, on her 92nd birthday.  VaLeda was born on April 4, 1924 in Mullinville, Kansas, the daughter of Elmer and Hazel (Ralston) Hensley.  She married Stacy Vernon Gilliam on August 2, 1941 in Mullinville, Kansas.  They became the proud parents of three children; Vernona (Larry) Shoemaker, of Kemmerer, WY.; Vance (Rita) Gilliam, of Riverton, WY.; and Victor (Ann) Gilliam of Gay, Georgia.  

She had nine grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren, and three great great grandchildren.

VaLeda is survived by her three children, her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; two sisters, Glenda Lawson, of Loveland, CO.; and Betty Clayton of Mullinville, Kansas.  She is also survived by her long time companion, her cat, Lucky and her very dearest friend, Caroline Nicholls.

VaLeda is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother, Newell Hensley, and two sisters, Georgia Manis, of Kansas, and Belva Bishop, of Washington.

As a young woman, “Granny” was a stay at home mom.  She loved to sew, crochet, oil paint, bowl, collect antiques, and  hunt arrowheads.  Later in her life she loved to go gambling and spending time with her many friends at the Kemmerer Senior Center.  She loved to travel with the Seniors on their trips from the center, and playing Jokers, Farkle and Bingo together with all of her friends.  

“Granny” has chosen to be cremated and her cremains will be inurned in Mullinville, Kansas.  No memorial services are planned.  In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate donations be made to the Kemmerer Senior Center.