1939-2025
Lillien Pauline Gilson, age 86, of Guthrie Center, died on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at her home and surrounded by loved ones. She was born on March 30, 1939, in Monteith.
Lillien is known throughout the community for her quiet servant heart and hard work. From baking pies in her busy kitchen to leading considerable fundraising efforts or serving as a caregiver for many friends and family members who needed an extra hand, she diligently cared for the needs of others and always put them first. She spent her entire life loving those who needed it most.
She will always be remembered for her superior card-playing abilities, her excellent eye for finding just the right piece in tricky puzzles and her great love for children. She had a gentle way of making every child feel valued and treasured, as her lap was always full of children being rocked to sleep, reading a book, doing a craft or playing a game of pretend. As they grew older, she continued her commitment to them by being their biggest cheerleader at sporting events, music concerts, plays and other activities.
Lillien is survived by one sister, Mabel (Mike) Hamling of Granger; sister-in-law, Jeanie Michaelson of Guthrie Center; daughter, Peggy (John) Byrd and daughter-in-law, Roberta Gilson, all of Guthrie Center; grandchildren, Penny (Kory) Schramm of Johnston, Travis (Karla) Gilson of Grimes and Tara Reed of Guthrie Center; step grandchildren, Lee (Ali) Byrd of Ankeny and John (Kim) Byrd of Bloomfield; 14 great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews who affectionately referred to her as “Auntie.” Lillien is preceded in death by her parents, seven brothers and two sisters, her loving husband of 42 years, John, and her son, Rick.
Because of her love of children and helping those in need, Lillien requested that memorials be directed toward St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.