THELMA GILLESS

MATTHEWS, Mo. -- Thelma Fern Gilless, 85, of Matthews died Friday, June 1, 2001, at Sells Rest Home.

She was born Aug. 17, 1915, in East Prairie, Mo., daughter of Oscar S. and Annie Gertrude Martin Heldenbrand. She and Paul Cecil Gilless were married Feb. 23, 1936, in Marion, Ark. He died Sept. 19, 2000.

Gilless was a member of Matthews Missionary Baptist Church.

Survivors include a daughter, Vera Barton of Edwardsville, Ill.; two brothers, Harrison Heldenbrand of Edwardsville, Wesley Heldenbrand of Paducah, Ky.; a sister, Susie Bean of Roxana, Ill.; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.

She was preceded in death by a son, two brothers and a sister.

Friends may call at Blanchard Funeral Chapel in Sikeston, Mo., after 5 p.m. today.

Funeral will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at the chapel. The Revs. Rodney Dunlap and Cecil Adams will officiate. Burial will be in Matthews Cemetery.