Martha Gilleece 1939-2023

Martha Gail Gilleece, 84, of Valley Falls, passed away Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

She was born April 19, 1939, west of Holton, the daughter of Jesse Miles LaVerne and Lorene (Elkinton) Hayden.

Martha graduated from Valley Falls High School in 1957 and attended Stewart College of Cosmetology in Topeka, where she graduated in 1958. Martha worked as a cosmetologist for more than 60 years and owned and operated Elm Street Hairport for eight years.

She was a member of Valley Falls Christian Church, Valley Falls Saddle Club and Jefferson County 4-H.

She married Veryle Dean Gilleece on June 27, 1959, at Coal Creek Methodist Church in Valley Falls. He preceded her in death on July 25, 2020. She was also preceded in death by her parents, LaVerne and Lorene Hayden; two sons, Eldon and Delbert Gilleece; a sister, Kay Cook; and a granddaughter, Amy Gilleece Cummings.

Survivors include two children, Greg Gilleece of Isabel and Kris Carothers; two brothers, Galen “Bud” Hayden of Valley Falls and Ted Hayden of Paola; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one on the way.

Memorial graveside services will be held at a later date at the Valley Falls Cemetery. Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be given to Jefferson County 4-H, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)