Ravenna Gillespie

Ravenna Burk Gillespie, of Vernon Arizona passed away at the La Casa Serena in Eagar Arizona, March 19, 2017.  She was born April 2, 1934, in Eagar Arizona, the ninth of eleven children born to Dan and Florence Edith Rothlisberger Burk. Ravenna spent her growing up years at Eagar where she attended elementary and high school.  On March 21, 1952, she married Milton Ardell Gillespie.  They lived most of their life in Vernon with a few short stays in Douglas and Casa Grande, Arizona for Milt’s building work. Vernon was to be their home.  Together, she and Milt, raised seven children.   The role of mother was one she cherished.  She loved her children and grandchildren.  Her love was seen through her actions, heard in her prayers and pleading and felt through tender glances and embraces.  Ravenna was very talented.  She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing many shirts and dresses for her family and others.  Later in life she had a desire to advance from pencil sketches to oil painting.  She painted many southwest and rustic themes.  She entered her paintings at the Apache County fair and received a top ribbon.   She loved music and loved to sing.  She could chord on the piano.  Harmony was natural for her. Reading was one of Ravenna’s favorite pass times.  She was often found studying many different gospel subjects.  Always striving to strengthen her testimony.  Her greatest treasure was her testimony of the gospel.  She served in many callings: Relief Society, Primary and Sunday School at the branch, ward and stake level. Her last and longest calling was that of branch chorister.  She loved the hymns.   She truly loved and had a testimony of the gospel and her Savior Jesus Christ. On November 25, 2006, Milt and Ravenna were sealed for time and all eternity at the Snowflake, Arizona temple. She will be loved and missed by her husband, children and extended family.  She is survived by Milton Gillespie; her seven children: Kaylma (Warren) Rohrer, Jake Gillespie, Mona (Roy) Hall, Jolan (Ed) Jirsa, Curt (Lannie) Gillespie, Christine (Matt) Jeffs and Dylan (Missy) Gillespie; siblings: Batsy Beedle and Erlan (Freddie Jo) Burk; Brother-in-law Ed (Lapriel) Gillespie and many nieces and nephews.  Ravenna’s posterity includes 25 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.   She is preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings. The family would like to extend heartful appreciation to Rhonda, Polly, Eric and the exceptional staff who have tended to the care, dignity, and well-being of both Ravenna and Milt for the last 5 years.   Thank you for the tender care and love for the family and Ravenna during her finals days.  The family also wishes to express gratitude to the staff of Hospice Compassus and the medical staff at the White Mountain Avenue Clinic in Eagar.  The funeral service will begin 11:00 A.M., Saturday, March 25, 2017, at the Vernon Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 1570 ACR 3140 in Vernon, where the visitation will begin 1 hour prior. The interment will immediately follow at the Vernon Cemetery.