DELORES KATHERINE GILLEN

On May 26, 1920, Delores Katherine Zoeller, was born in Zenda, Kansas to Fred and Eleanor Zoeller. She was the second of five children (Francis, Lawrence, Lenora and Gerald.) Delores graduated from St. Patrick's grade school and Kingman High School and then continued to live in Kingman County the rest of her life.

Delores was a strong willed, generous, gracious, caring person with a great sense of humor paired with a strong faith and contentment that showed in all aspects of her life. Delores enjoyed many and varied things in life; cooking a great meal for friends and family, relaxing with a book or magazine, being active in the community and church organization, watching a demolition derby.

Delores married Paul Gillen on October 23, 1945 and they shared a great partnership until Paul died of cancer in 1993. They raised two children, Dennis of Wichita and Mary Jane of Topeka. While they focused on the positive of what they had been given and not what they had lost, they always remembered the five children they lost at birth. This same faith carried her through the loss of her parents, Paul, Colleen and all her siblings except Lenora who resides in Kingman. Lenora has always brought a fun and loving presence to her life, and she took exceptionally good care of her after Delores suffered a debilitating stroke nearly ten years ago.

Nothing made Delores happier than spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She would recount their activities and antics for weeks and laugh each time. These family members are: Dennis and Lanra Gillen and Kenley Tiesmeyer of Wichita: Cara and Brian Horn and Olivia, Jude and Micah of Normal, IL; Austin and Kimberly Gillen of Wichita, KS; Leigh and Pat Lytle and Gigi of San Francisco, CA; Kate Gillen and Nate Bahr of Minneapolis, MN, Mary Jane and Steve Stankiewicz and Mary Beth of Topeka, KS, Megan Stattleman and Rachel Stattelman of Topeka, KS; Lacey and Todd Garrison and Hadley of Kingman; Bethany and Brian Thimesch and Raegan of Kingman, and Laley Tiesmeyer of Kingman.

Her life will be celebrated by a rosary at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 22 2013 at Livingston Funeral Home, Kingman. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Kingman on Thursday, May 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. followed by an interment at Walnut Hill Cemetery. The family of Delores would live to invite all friends and family to father with us at St. Patrick's school careterian to continue the celebration of this amazing generous, loving and caring woman.

Donations in memory of Delores Gillen should be made to St. Patrick's school in care of Livingston Funeral Home, 1830 N. Main, Kingman, KS 67068.

Livingston Funeral Home,
620-532-3322
620-532-2273 (FAX)