Thelma L. Gilley

Celebration of Life:

Thelma Lee (Runyan) Gilley, age 96, died on August 19, 2023, at the home of her daughter Carol (Larry) Hinkle in Pueblo CO. Thelma was born on August 29, 1926, in Franklin, KS, to parents Jennie Lucretia (Jones) Runyan and Ivan Benjamin Runyan. The family moved to CO when she was 3 and settled in the farming community “north of Boone” near her family.  She attended a one-room school in the community and completed her education at Boone High School, graduating in 1944.  After her graduation, she taught school for a short time at Grand View Country School, grades 1 – 8. Robert Luther Gilley and Thelma Lee Runyan were married on Aug 2, 1945, (Married 44 years).  They began dating while in high school and were married while Robert was home on leave during WWII. After Robert’s tour of duty was completed, the couple purchased their first plot of land, started farming, and began their family.

Mom’s greatest joy was being with and serving her family. Whether, it was sewing, cooking, baking, hosting family events, or attending sporting events, Mom loved her family.  She also enjoyed playing cards (winning), puzzles, crocheting, and gardening. 

Mom had many different jobs including farmer-rancher, book-keeper, and grocery store clerk.  The job that was most satisfying was working with children as a Foster Grandparent in the Pueblo School District, where Mom loved helping children with reading. In all the places she lived and the types of jobs she held she loved people and was well-loved.

Thelma’s faith journey began when she was invited to attend a youth meeting. “When I was a senior in high school, my friends invited me to attend a Revival service at Pitkin Ave Baptist Church in Fowler, CO. There I heard God’s plan of salvation and I accepted Jesus into my heart as Savior. Jesus has walked by my side throughout my life.” Her life-long relationship with Jesus has been lived out through time spent praying for others and especially her family, serving and worshiping in local churches, and lately in her longing to be in God’s presence.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jennie Lucretia (Jones) Runyan – 1943 and Ivan Benjamin Runyan – 1954, a sister Mary Ellen Runyan (died at age 3 ½), a brother Leonard Frederick Runyan – 2009, and Robert Luther Gilley – 2020. She was also preceded in death by her son Thomas Lee Gilley – 2023, a grandson, Richard Troy Gilley -1986, and a great-granddaughter, Megan Ann Gilley – 2008.

She is survived by children: Richard (Dian) Gilley – N. Richland Hills, TX, Carol (Larry) Hinkle – Pueblo, CO, daughter-in-law Jeanne Gilley – Greeley, CO, Tim (Cheryl) Gilley – Eau Claire, WI, and Sherry (Jim) Wold – Huron, SD. She is also survived by grandchildren: Koleen (Terry) Dupuy – Hurst, TX, Carla (David) Autrey – Parker, CO, Brian (Jessica) Hinkle – Pueblo, CO, Michael (Deb) Hinkle – Pueblo, CO, Kristopher (Mirriah) Gilley – Windsor, CO, Camila Gilley (Jay Gonzales) – Trinidad, CO, Kendra (Roger) Hemminghaus – Waukee, IA, Nathan (Rebecca) Gilley – Belle Fourche, SD, Rebekah Chamberlain, – N Hudson, WI, Joel Wold – Huron, SD, Jared Wold (LeAndra Fagen) – Monument, CO, and Rachel Wold-Ashley (Matt Ashley) – Sioux Falls, SD, and 25 great and great-great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at Fowler Cemetary, Fowler, Colorado prior to the memorial service.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, September 22, 2023 – 3:00 PM

Montgomery Steward Funeral Home

1317 N Main St, Pueblo, CO 81003

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to:

Sangre De Cristo Hospice

1920 Valley Dr, Pueblo, CO 81008