Milton Ardell Gillespie

Milton Ardell Gillespie, of Vernon Arizona passed away at the La Casa Serena in Eagar Arizona, October 19, 2018. He was born May 23, 1933, in Vernon Arizona, the last of nine children born to Charles Frederick and Aditha Loretta Penrod Gillespie.

Milt spent his growing up years in Vernon where he attended elementary school in the one room school house. He attended high school in Round Valley.  He excelled in music and sports.  On March 21, 1952, he married Ravenna Burk.  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, he and Ravenna, raised seven children.  Milt loved and cherished his wife and family.  Together with Ravenna they created a home that cherished hard work, laughter, music, love and the gospel.

Milt embraced the responsibility to provide for the needs of his family. Following in the footsteps of his father, Milt used his inherent gifts and talents to become a skilled cabinetmaker, trim carpenter and custom home builder.  He was known for his beautiful finish work.  He proudly passed his knowledge on to any and all who was willing to learn.  Milt was known for his love of life and his sense of humor.  He played and laughed with abandon when together with his family, friends and extended family.  His children and grandchildren cherish the stories told with a twinkle in his eye—because they knew it was a “true story”.  He loved his music.  Milt spent time playing and singing with his family.  He appreciated the harmony found in music.  He was an accomplished guitar player and enjoyed playing the harmonica.

Milt’s greatest legacy is the love he shared with his family. He truly loved his family. It was felt through his words, his touch, his stories and his acts of service.  His love for his Savior and knowledge of the gospel, strengthened him through his life.  He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  One of his beloved callings in the church was that of Sunday School Teacher.  He taught the youth ages 12 and 13. He loved to teach them about the prophets and church history. 

On November 25, 2006, Milt and Ravenna were sealed for time and all eternity at the Snowflake, Arizona temple.

He will be loved and missed by his children and extended family. He is survived by his seven children: Kaylma (Warren) Rohrer, Jake Gillespie, Mona (Roy) Hall, Jolan (Ed) Jirsa, Curt (Lannie) Gillespie, Christine (Matt) Jeffs and Dylan (Missy) Gillespie and many nieces and nephews.  Milt’s posterity includes 25 grandchildren, 57 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife, his 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 Milt for the last 7 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. 

Services will take place at 11:00 AM, Saturday, October 27, 2018, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel in Vernon with a viewing at 10:00 AM.

Interment will directly follow at the Vernon Cemetery.