Lillian M. Gifford, 82, a longtime Skagit County resident passed away at her home in Sedro-Woolley on Thursday, April 20, 2006.
She was born in Wakefield, Nebraska on May 2, 1923, the daughter of Samuel C. & Edna C. Allen Isom.
She was raised and attended school in Allen, NB. In 1940 Lillian was united in marriage to Leon Gifford in Laurel, NB and they made their home in Spokane and Seattle before settling in Marblemount, WA in 1945.
Lillian raised her family and worked in the Marblemount community for over 20 years where she was active with the American Missionary Fellowship. She and Leon raised there family there until moving to Fort Flagler State Park on the Olympic Peninsula in 1965 where Leon was the park ranger. They made their home in the park’s lighthouse and Lillian loved combing the beaches for treasures with her family.
In 1968 they moved to Sedro-Woolley and Lillian became involved with the First Baptist Church where she played the piano and organ and sang in the choir for many years.
Lillian enjoyed growing vegetables and flowers in her garden, sewing and just being around her family.
She is survived by her children, Lynnette Gifford of Omak, WA, Leon T. Gifford of Marblemount, Lorraine Sessa and her husband Ron of Arlington and Luann Geerdes and her husband Monte of Conway. A daughter-in-law, Sheila Gifford of Chimacum, WA. 1 sister, Celia Dermit in Nebraska. 3 sisters-in-law, Joann Rabb of Sedro-Woolley, Fern Isom in Nevada and Ella Isom in Nebraska. Her longtime and cherished friend Dorothy Benfield of Marblemount. 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandsons and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leon in 2003 and 3 brothers, Claren, Joe & Dale Isom.
The family suggests memorials be made to the American Missionary Fellowship, PO Box 24, Marblemount, WA 98267 or to Skagit Hospice.
A Life Celebration will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2006 at 3:00 pm at the First Baptist Church in Sedro-Woolley with Pastor Richard Coursen officiating, followed by a fellowship gathering. Private interment will be at Sedro-Woolley Union Cemetery.
Services are under the direction of and visitation is available at Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley.
For Lillian’s Family.
What a wonderful person and a true blessing and gift from God. She never complained and always helped others in need. She loved our Lord, her family, and her friends and Church. I loved to see her smile and she always made everyone happy with her kind words. May God Bless her children and family, and have mercy on their grieving souls. Lillian has found a new home with our Lord and she loves you as God does.
In Loving Memory,
Lori Anne Nelson
lorianneranch@aol.com