Eileen Sarahbel (Gardner) Gillespie

      Eileen Sarahbel Gillespie, age 94, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Monday, August 8, 2022, at her home.

      A Graveside Service will be held at Union Home Cemetery, on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at 1:00 P.M., with Pastor Kathy Leydorf-Keck officiating.

      Eileen was born in St. Johns, Michigan on April 17, 1928, the daughter of Charles Henry and Esther Claribel (Smith) Gardner.  Eileen graduated from Hubbardston High School with the class of 1945.  On April 21, 1946, Eileen married Oliver Denton Gillespie at her parent’s home.  They were blessed with 52 years of marriage and five children prior to his passing in 1998.  Eileen worked for the Soil Conservation District for 18 years.  She enjoyed reading and crossword puzzles.

   She is survived by her children: Dennis and Karen Gillespie of St. Johns, MI; Charleen and Alberto Faccilongo of Kansas City, MO; Valerie Gillespie of St. Johns, MI; John Gillespie of St. Johns, MI; and Laura Gillespie of St. Johns, MI.  She is also survived by two grandchildren: Jason (Jamie) Gillespie and Jennifer Gagne; several great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.  Eileen was preceded in death by her parents; husband Oliver Gillespie, and her sister Jane (Doug) Hulbert.

     Memorials may be made to the Gratiot County Humane Society. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.