Eloise Kathleen Gillette
August 21, 1946 – November 5, 2017
Eloise Kathleen Gillette, fondly known as “Weezy,” 71, of Salina, passed away Nov. 5, 2017. She was born Aug. 21, 1946, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to Clayton and Helen Gillette. She came to Kansas to attend Central Christian College, and after a brief time in Illinois, was a Kansas resident.
From her time as an employee of Clubine and Rettele to Stage to Riddle’s Jewelry, Eloise was a dedicated employee whose work ethic was unmatched. Her outgoing and gregarious personality was contagious, and she quickly turned strangers into friends. She loved people and was extremely generous in both gift-giving and helping those in need. She loved traveling, reading, being with family, eating at her favorite restaurants, and laughing.
She is survived by: her sisters, Marilyn Odermann of McPherson, Rosalie Jeffery (Dave) of Sun City, Ariz.; brother, Gaylord Gillette (Vicki) of McPherson; nephews, Jeffrey Odermann (Sue) of McPherson, Jason Gillette (Erica) of Overland Park, and Justin Gillette (Jessica) of Hutchinson; nieces, Shanna Fendall (Bryce) of McPherson, Rochelle Traub (Kevin) of Middleville, Mich., and Janel Tucker (Jason) of Tieton, Wash.; and many great-nephews and great-nieces.
She is preceded in death by: her parents; and brother-in-law, Ellis Odermann.
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, with family receiving guests from 4-6 p.m.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 13, at Ryan Mortuary. Graveside committal service will be at 1 p.m. at McPherson City Cemetery. Eloise loved the color purple, and her family invites you to wear a splash of purple in her honor.
Memorials may be made to: the Gillette Scholarship Fund at Central Christian College of Kansas, or Callie Cares Foundation, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth Street, Salina 67401. Seven-year-old Callie was diagnosed with Congenital Spinal Stenosis and is a frequent visitor to Children’s Mercy Hospital. She desires to bless other sick children with Callie’s Care Bags which include fun activities. She has already donated over 300 bags and is in the process of obtaining a 501(c) to keep her dream alive.