Barbara Ann Gilliland, 86, of Knox, formerly of Rockland, passed into the arms of Jesus while surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday morning, May 15, 2024.
She was born in Franklin on May 12, 1938, to the late Robert and Geraldine (Engles) Hovis.
She was a 1956 graduate of Franklin High School. She was employed by Joy Manufacturing until she became a homemaker and cared for her family.
She was a member of the Nickleville Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed helping with Vacation Bible School.
She enjoyed gardening, collecting antiques, going to auctions, bus trips, and spending time with her family. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were her whole world. She always attended the activities that her children and grandchildren participated in.
Barb was a leader for the former Busy Bees 4-H Club in Nickelville.
She was married on April 6, 1957, to James L. Gilliland. They were married 58 years before Jim's passing on April 17, 2015.
She is survived by her son, Eric Gilliland, and his wife Judy of Knox; her daughter, Lori Richmond, and her husband Steve of Grove City; her grandchildren: Erica and Kyle Fanning, Emily and Taylor Alworth, Anna and Jake Morrison, Caleb Gilliland and fiancé Tatum Henderson, Eden and Jacob Oxendale, Cameron Richmond, and Jordan and Kendra Richmond; and her great-grandchildren: Bronwyn Scott, Evie Fanning, Rowen Alworth, Madi Alworth, Tucker Alworth, and Weston Oxendale.
Barb was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her brother, Gerald Hovis.
Visitation for friends and family will be held Saturday (May 18) from 10 a.m. - noon and also from 2 - 4 p.m. in Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca. A funeral service will follow in the funeral home on Saturday at 4 p.m. with Mr. Steve Richmond, Barb's son-in-law, officiating.
Private interment will be in Millcreek Cemetery near Utica, at the convenience of the family.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Brittany, Cathy, and Missy from AseraCare Hospice for their care and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nickelville Presbyterian Church, 169 Valley Church Rd., Emlenton, PA 16373; or to AseraCare Hospice (Amedysis), P.O. Box 944 Waterford, PA 16441.
To express online condolences to Barb's family, visit www.hilebest.com