Gretchen Karleene Gilliland, age 86, of Wellston, passed away Monday, February 3, 2014, at the Jenkins Care Community in Wellston, Ohio. She was born January 5, 1928 in New Boston, Ohio to the late Leo Mullen and Mollie Phillips Mullen. Following Leo’s death, Mollie remarried Orlyn Vincell. Karleene attended South Elementary School and then in 1945, she graduated from Wellston High School, where she was a football cheerleader. She worked a few years as a cashier at the Lockard Market in Wellston and in 1949, she enrolled in the Holzer School of Nursing and became a Registered Nurse. In 1951, Karleene graduated from nursing school. She worked at Holzer Hospital until 1952, when she moved to Columbus and was employed at The Ohio State University Hospital.
On December 19, 1951, Karleene married Roy J. Gilliland, an attorney. In 1952, they returned to Jackson County and bought a farm in Milton Township. Karleene worked for Dr. Earl J. Levine for several years, the Jackson-Vinton Community Action Program for some time and then later was employed by the Vinton County Health Department from where she retired as the Director of Nurses in Vinton County. She also served as Wellston City Treasurer for six years. Karleene was a member of Hope United Methodist Church in Wellston for over 50 years, the Jackson County Nurses Association, Chase Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, the Optimist Club, and until recently, she served as the treasurer for the W.H.S. alumni class of 1945. She was a former den mother for Cub Scout Pack 57, and in the past, she also enjoyed swimming and traveling with her friends and family.
Karleene is survived by her husband of 62 years, Roy J. Gilliland; children, Kyle R. Gilliland (Dana) of Wellston, Dr. Arla L. McVicker (Shawn) of Cedar Falls, Iowa, and Bret J. Gilliland of Worthington; grandchildren, Sean, Erin and Alec Gilliland and Daniel, Andrew and Emily McVicker; great-granddaughter, Gabrielle Gilliland; brother, Lawrence Mullen of Chillicothe; sister, Barbara Stephenson of Wellston, as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Calling hours will be Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will be Sunday at 3 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Brian Vinson officiating. Cremation will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Karleene’s name to the Hope United Methodist Church, 219 East First Street, Wellston, Ohio 45692. Online condolences can be given to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.