Barbara J. Gillin, 94, of Staunton, passed away at her home May 26, 2024, at 2:57pm.
She was born April 3, 1930, in Terre Haute, the daughter of Gilbert Newhart and Helen Boyd Newhart. She graduated from Wiley High School. On March 17, 1951, she was united in marriage to Robert ‘Bob’ Gillin. Together they raised their 9 children with lots of love and laughter.
Barbara enjoyed knitting, reading, birds, cats, and her beloved dogs, including her Tucker. She was a member of the VFW#1127 and the Clay Youth League. She ran the concession stand at the baseball field for many years. She helped to organize the women’s softball league and was active in the group that planned the Staunton Community Center.
Barbara was a champion to the underdog and was never one to judge. She wanted to give everyone a chance to be successful and feel good. She was a loving mother to her own children, but to many, many more kids as well. She was called “Mom,” by kids throughout the years in Clay County. It has been said that when she wasn’t taking in kids, she was taking in stray animals.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bob Gillin; her children, Helen Rae, Pam Gaskill and John “Pat” Gillin; son in law, Mike Kates, and a great-grandson Jaxton Cooksey.
Survivors include her large family, Chris Schurick (Tim), Lori Kate, BeeGee Hayden (Jim), Bo Gillin (Libby), Molly Ascheman (Mark), Jamie Gillin (Dana); grandchildren, Mike Simonson (Cindy), Shawn Simonson (Becky), Shasta Sims (Pete), Jade Gillin (Cody), Jesse Gillin, Carrie Blondeel (Chris), Kim Schurick, Gretchen Gaskill, J.B. Lattin, Josh Moore (Rinthea), April Marlow (Chris), Jason Moore, Tawnee Hayden, Tyler Hayden, Brooke Gillin (Jess), Cheyenne Overton, Sam Overton, Dustin Ascheman (Kiera), Katie Ingle (Kye), Lucas Cooksey, Chloe Cooper, Paityn Gillin, Baileigh Gillin, Pammy Gillin, Gage, Gatlin, Bartley, and Slayton; daughter in law, Marsha Gillin; great-grandchildren, Mikey, Chelsey, Halei, Shaydn, Kailyn, Mason, Dom, Sophia, Miriam, Hunner, Jasper, Logan, Sklar (Evan), Kirstin (Khaiden), Gracie, Alexia, Kaden, Trenton, Hayley, Stephy, Shelby, Bryson, Wyatt, Beckam, Jaxson, Jeremiah, Nathan, Logan, Kase, Kora, Conner, Crystal, Brianna, Kiarra; great-great-grandchildren, Romie, Bella, Addy, Emme, Natalia, T.J. Brookie and Caiden; and other extended family.
A visitation will be held Wednesday from 4-7pm at the Lawson-Miller Chapel, 1702 E. National Ave.
Cremation was chosen.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to Bee Ridge Diaper Pantry, 13010 W. Co. Rd. 1000N, Brazil or the Clay Youth League. Post a note of condolence at www.lawson-millerchapel.com.
