Virginia Gentle Gillis

Virginia Gentle Gillis
June 27, 1925 - December 20, 2014
Virginia Gentle Gillis was born June 27, 1925 to Ermine (E.K.) Gentle and Frances Douglas Gentle in Salt Lake City, Utah. Paternal grandparents, Thomas and Carrie Gentle owned Gentle Acres Farm north of Monmouth, Oregon. Professor Gentle was the Dean of Education at Oregon Normal School. (Western Oregon University) Maternal grandfather, Dr. Charles Douglas was a physician in Salt Lake City.
In 1927 E.K. became principal in Prairie City, Oregon. Virginia loved growing up in Prairie, and recalled it fondly all her life. At age 6 she won a 1st prize in the Grant County Fair for memorizing and reciting a lengthy poem. In 1938 brother Thomas was born. The following year the Gentle's bought a variety store in Leavenworth, Washington. In high school Virginia met Bill Gillis who became her high school sweetheart. Virginia was valedictorian of her class in 1943. During this time brother Bill Gentle was born.
Virginia attended the University of Washington, transferring to Reed College. She later lived with her Gentle grandparents and attended O.C.E. (W.O.U.) She also worked part time in the Officer's Club at Camp Adair. Following his discharge from the U.S. Army, Bill and Virginia were married December 9, 1945 at Arnold Arms on the O.C.E. campus. There were many moves during the first years. Daughter Kathleen was born in Eureka, California. Son Grant was born in Lebanon, Oregon.
The family settled in Monmouth in 1953, building their own home in 1956. Virginia was happy to be back in Monmouth where her parents, grandparents, and other relatives lived. Her father had been Monmouth High School principal, and then Monmouth Post Master.
In 1961 Virginia was offered the position of Monmouth City Librarian. The job was 20 hours a week, at $1.00 an hour, in a room of the Monmouth City Hall. Virginia excelled at book selection and helping patrons. Usage grew enough that by the 1970's a new building dedicated as a library was built. That building now houses the Monmouth Police Department. The Monmouth Friends of the Library and other volunteers with trucks hauled over 30,000 books to the new library in one day. Volunteers of "book brigades" put them in order on the shelves.
Over the years, Virginia's responsibilities grew as she championed the Chemeketa Regional Library System, and oversaw the computerization of all Monmouth's holdings. She directed a growing staff, served on numerous committees and continued her goal of building a first rate library collection, for the people of Monmouth. She was a member of Oregon Library Association, and Monmouth Social Hour Club. She continued to find real pleasure in helping patrons find just the right book. By the time she retired in 1990, plans were being made to build a new, larger library.
For her 50th birthday, Virginia and Kathy went to Europe, visiting London, Paris, Rome and Capri. Other happy trips were to Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Salt Lake City, Carmel, California, and Victoria, B.C.
Bill and Virginia were delighted when grandchildren Carrie and Will Gillis were born to Grant and Debbie. Virginia enjoyed hosting family celebrations and holidays. She found pleasure in reading, Social Hour Club, her roses, and her beloved cats and dogs.
Virginia's last years were spent at Dallas Retirement Village. Family would like to thank DRV staff for their kind care and unfailing support. Willamette Valley Hospice also provided much compassionate care.
Preceding Virginia in death were her parents, husband Bill Gillis, and brother Tom Gentle. Survivors include; brother Bill Gentle (Diane) of Dallas, Oregon, daughter Kathleen Blevins (Don) of Lebanon, Oregon, son Grant Gillis (Debbie) of Deer Island, Oregon, granddaughter Carrie Gillis of St. Helens, Oregon, grandson Will Gillis of Deer Island, great grandson Benjamin William Gillis of St. Helens (Carrie's son) and 5 nieces and nephews.
A family graveside service will be held at Fir Crest Cemetery at 11 am Saturday, January 3, 2015. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2015, 1-4 pm at the Monmouth Senior Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Virginia's name to the Monmouth Public Library, or Salem Friends of Felines, in care of Farnstrom Mortuary, 410 Monmouth Street, Independence, OR 97351. Please share your memories and condolences at FarnstromMortuary.com.