Marilyn J. Gilliland

Marilyn Joy Clark Gilliland of Topeka died on April 17th 2006 at her home. She was born on a farm south of Barnes, KS, on January 22, 1937, the youngest daughter of Ernest and Nancy Bolejack Clark. Marilyn graduated from Barnes High School in 1954. She received two degrees from Kansas State: a B.S. in 1958 and a Masters degree in 1966. She was a teacher in elementary schools in Topeka and Wichita, KS and Ft. Leonard Wood, MO., having taught for 39 years until she retired in 1998. She married David Gilliland on June 4, 1967. They are the parents of two daughters, Kristin Henning, Centennial, CO, and Dr. Kathryn Gilliland, Topeka, KS. She was a devoted wife and mother. Marilyn was a 38-year member of Countryside United Methodist church and its chancel choir. She was also a member in Garden Club, Countryside Book Club, AAUW and P.E.O. Her hobbies included gardening, genealogy, singing, tennis, bridge, and reading. Her parents and her brother, Gaylord Clark, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, David Gilliland of the home; her daughter Kristin Henning, husband Jeff and grandchildren Jacquelyn and Jeffrey of Centennial, CO; her daughter Kathryn Gilliland, of Topeka, KS; her sister Dorothy Lindquist and husband Ray of Waterville, KS; her sister-in-law, Eunice Clark of Victorville, CA; and a foster brother, Andrew Snodgrass, of Chico, CA. She will be greatly missed by many nieces and nephews and a host of friends. Mrs. Gilliland will be cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 29 at 11:00 a.m. at Countryside United Methodist church, 3221 Burlingame Rd., Topeka, KS 66611, with The Reverend Paul Mitchell officiating. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Waterville, KS, at a later date. In lieu of flowers her family suggests donations be made to Midland Hospice, 200 S.W. Frazier Cir, Topeka 66606; the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas Ave., 66608 or a charity of choice in her memory.