01/03/2015
Gillam, age 84, of Sigourney, died Saturday, January 3, 2015, at the Keokuk County Health Center in Sigourney.
Mary Rose was born January 3, 1931, in Knoxville, Iowa, to John and Theodoshia (Jarrel) Crossen. She attended school in Knoxville through the 8th grade, graduated from Sigourney High School and attended Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids.
On November 23, 1950, she married Gordon Gillam in Sigourney. The couple lived and farmed in the Ollie area until moving into Sigourney in 1998. Mary Rose was a former member of Mother Cabrini Catholic Church, current member of St. Mary Catholic Church, the Altar and Rosary Society, served on the Keokuk County Expo board and helped with Ollie Big Days when she lived on the farm.
She crocheted over 500 framed names and enjoyed fishing, coon hunting and mushrooming.
Survivors include three children: John (Mary) Gillam of Ollie, Bruce Gillam and Deb Gillam, both of Sigourney; five grandchildren: Jeremy (Joni) Gillam of Creston, Matthew (Kris) Gillam of Deforest, Wisconsin, Chad (Jenny) Gillam of Kalona, Grant Gillam of Richland and Melissa (Jon) Breitenbucher of Des Moines and 10 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband: Gordon in 2012.
Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7, 2015, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sigourney, with Rev. Charles Fladung officiating.
Burial will be at St. Mary Cemetery in Sigourney at a later date. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2015, at Powell Funeral Home in Sigourney, where there will be a wake service at 4:00 p.m.
A memorial fund has been established for Keokuk County Hospice or the Relay for Life. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Mary Rose and her family.
Tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.