Gisela Elsie Stange Gillis

Our wonderful angel mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and sister passed away peacefully at the age of 97 in her home on October 28, 2021.  Born August 24, 1924 in Gera, Saxony, Germany to Max Otto Wilhelm Stange and Elsa Anna Barth Stange. 

At age two Elsie’s parents immigrated to the United States.  Soon after, they celebrated the birth of her only sibling, Viola. Elsie and Viola grew up together in the Salt Lake area and remained close throughout Elsie’s life. Their families continue to remain close and build memories together.

Elsie graduated from West High School and attended one year of college.  She married a handsome sailor, Robert Gillis, on August 10, 1948 in the Logan Temple.  She worked as the personal secretary to the president of Bear River Mutual Company until her first child was born. 

Family was most important to Elsie and Bob. Elsie was a devoted wife, mother and friend.  She cherished the relationships she had with others. Elsie loved to read, her love for reading overflowed into a special story telling time for children.  She had a drama flair and would act out the characters of the stories she shared.  She enjoyed fishing, target shooting and the outdoors.  She looked forward to family vacations around the country.  She really enjoyed going to the cabin that she and Bob built in 1967.  It remains in the family to this day and is a beautiful place for their posterity to enjoy.

Elsie served eight years in the Sherman Elementary PTA Presidency and worked 9 years as a voter judge.  She was a devout and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  She loved to serve the Lord and always gave 110 percent in all she did.  She served in Primary, Sunday School, Ward and Stake Relief Society Presidencies, twice as Young Womens President (four decades apart).  Elsie and Bob served two full time missions; one in the Frankfurt Temple, the other in New Jersey.  They also served five years as temple workers in the Salt Lake Temple.      

Elsie is survived by her Sister Viola Nelson, her children, Robyn (Larry) Anderson, Kimball (Annette) Gillis, Jody (Dana) Ahlstrom, Terrell (Rebecca) Gillis, Tracy (Jill) Gillis, Twenty-six grandchildren and Sixty-two great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents Max and Elsa Stange, her eternal companion Robert Gillis, and granddaughter Giselle Fleming.

Mom you will be so missed.  We are so grateful for the knowledge we have that we are an eternal family, that you are reunited with our sweet dad who now holds his “Dutch” in his arms once again.  You are a remarkable wife, mother and an elect daughter of our Father in Heaven.  Thank you for your wise council throughout our lives and for your unwavering example. 

The family wishes to thank the Rosecrest 1st ward, Teresa, Heartwood Hospice, Nurses Alec and Samantha, CNA Raul and Emma and granddaughter Jennifer Gillis for taking care of our precious mother. 

Funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday November 6, 2021 at the Rosecrest First Ward Chapel, 3101 South 2300 East, where friends may visit with the family from 9:00am until 10:30am prior to the funeral. Interment Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy. On line messages and tributes can be sent to the family on this web page.  If you would like to view the service by live stream please click on the following link:  http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/saltlakecanyonrimstake

Funeral Service Audio