Gillis B. Ward

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php on line 271
Jul 6th, 2017

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

279

Death Date: Jul 6, 2017

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

285

Deprecated

/home/ruebel/public_html/obits/obituaries.php

302

Save: Print this Obituary

Biography: Gillis Bartholmey Ward, 68, died on July 6, 2017, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. She was born on July 16, 1948, in Seattle, Washington, and was predeceased by her parents, Edmund and Mary Taft Bartholmey, and niece Kelly Brenner. She is survived by her precious daughter, Alyson, whom she loved with all her heart. Also surviving her are sisters, Carol Graham (Grimsley) and Jane Brenner (Tim) and brothers, Buz Bartholmey and Bob Bartholmey (Kathy) and loving nephews and nieces, Jay Bartholmey (Amber), Billy Bartholmey, Andrew Bartholmey, Jonathon Bartholmey (Shelley), Michael Bartholmey, April Bartholmey, Jennifer Bartholmey, Peter Bartholmey, Timothy Brenner, Liz Rose (Mark), Jeffrey Graham (Reta), Andrew Graham (Donna), and loving great nephews and nieces, Dakota, Layla, and Olivia Bartholmey, Acacia and Azaylia Rose, and Finlay and Ada Graham. Fun-loving Gillis was the classic favorite aunt. Gillis devoted her life?s work to the education of deaf and hard of hearing children and their families. She began her career in the early 70?s as a teacher for the Arkansas School for the Deaf. She next worked in deaf education for the Little Rock School District and finished her career in the Early Childhood Development program at the School for the Deaf where she trained educators who worked with parents of deaf or hard of hearing children. As a published trainer, she touched the lives of thousands of families. Gillis, predictably, also volunteered widely. She was instrumental in growing the Silent Sunday fundraiser for the deaf and hard of hearing, serving as the director of the event for several years. She was a founding volunteer for the Clinton Presidential Library and regularly volunteered for KUAR fund drives and for Stew Pot, the Little Rock organization that feeds the homeless. With her big heart, gentle soul, and wonderful sense of humor, Gillis drew people to her. She maintained a deep and abiding relationship with a group of friends she had met in her college days at ASU, Jonesboro. She was envied for her circle of friends, who were often at her bedside in the final days. Gillis loved animals and left behind her beloved dog, Ozzie, so in lieu of flowers, a donation to AR Hands and Voices (PO Box 512, Conway, AR, 72203) or Central Arkansas Rescue Effort for Animals (CARE) would be appreciated. A memorial service will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 3pm.

Condolences(22)

Clinton and Susan schmidt

#22

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Clinton and I send our love to you all. We were lucky to have met and enjoyed family gatherings with Gillis with our blended families. She had a friendly easy way of being with folks. Always with a smile on her face. May your memories give you comfort during this tough time.

Georgia Adis Torson

#21

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My heart broke when I saw the posting about Gillis. I've known her since we were next door neighbors in Bensenville, Illinois. After her family moved to Little Rock in sixth grade, we continued our friendship, only seeing each other a few times during our high school years. In spite of the time and distance, we kept in touch. I thank God I was able to have a quick visit with her three years ago, after oh so many years! Gillis, you were a lifeline to so many people. I shall miss you, my forever friend.

John, Jay, Wilma Hensley

#20

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Alyson I am so sorry to hear this..I have been trying to get in touch with you. You're Mom was a very special presence in my life growing up that no one else could replace. Her love of life, music, theatre, laughter was a light that gave me strength in an often dark place.. My family and I have you in are hearts and prayers and always will.

ELLEN CATO

#19

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I'm certain she was as great a gal as you Carol..

Nancy Reynolds

#18

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My deepest condolences to the family. Gillis was one of a kind and she will be greatly missed. I had the good fortune to have both worked closely with her, and to know her well on a personal level. She was a mentor to me, and I learned so much from her as I tried to emulate her wonderful qualities.

I pray her family finds comfort and peace in this most difficult time. You all are in my heart and mind.

Christy Pettis (Crisel/Runnells)

#17

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Ms. Ward, as we affectionately, yet respectfully called her, even beyond our elementary years, made a lasting impact on our lives. The words she spoke into my life remain with me to this day and continue to empower me as a deaf person. She will always hold a special place in my heart and in my memories she will live on. <3

Richard and Una Carroll

#16

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

You will be dearly missed. Your kindness and support to our family can never be fullly repaid. You are a person who truly left the world a better place, and inspired people to always do more.

Suzanne Ward

#15

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Gillis was a beautiful soul. We must have played 400 games of Words with Friends and she won 398 of them. My heart is with you

Patrick H. Hays

#14

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Never crossed trails without always feeling better. Carol, we've lost a very good unique person. Prayers are with your family.

Donna Munnerlyn Bosley

#13

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Gillis was a loving and kind lady sharing so much with so many. She will be missed by all of those she touched. Praying for peace and comfort for your family.

Nancy Siversen

#12

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

So sorry for your loss. Gillis was a wonderful person. Sorry we can't be there for her service.

Sallie Langford

#11

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Gillis was friendly, out-going, dedicated to her students, smart, and funny. I know that she loved deeply, especially, Alyson and her family. To say I will miss her is an understatement.

My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone who loved her. She will never be forgotten.

Christie Hooks

#10

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Alyson, I am so very sorry for your loss. You & your family are in my thoughts during the difficult time.

Lynn Springfield

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I collaborated with her for many years as state consultant for children with multiple learning challenging. She was always positive and encouraging to those with whom she worked to improve their quality of lives. I will so miss her energy and smile.

Nicholas Vaughan

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My mom was a good friend of Gillis and through that, she became a large part of our family. Both me and my brother could always count on Gillis as a second mother and someone that always sent us good vibes and wanted us to do well.

You need people like Gillis outside of your family that believe in you and want the best for you and wish it to you in an unselfish manner. Gillis was always this type of friend. She shared her opinion, listened to others and always helped both sides understand their differences. Maybe it was her work with the Blind and Deaf that left her with so much patience and kindness.

She will be missed by my mother and our entire family. She is definitely one of the "good guys (gals)" in life and she will be missed- the humor, the kindness, the curiosity and the warm welcomes.

Laura Richards

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I worked with Gillis for many years in deaf education. She will will be missed

Indira Ramhit, David Haymon

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

We met Ms. Gillis when she moved across the road from us in 2004. She watched Logan and Luca grow up into teenagers. Ms. Gillis, you will be greatly missed. Alyson and Buz accept our deepest condolences. also , to the rest of her family and friends. Ms Gillis, you will forever be in our hearts.

Sharon williams

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

Gillis was one of our daughter's first teachers and we remained friends for the next forty years. She was a wonderful teacher who challenged our daughter to work hard and told her she could achieve anything she wanted. She was a wonderful asset for parents who didn't have a clue about how best to raise a deaf child. Above all, Gillis was beautiful inside and out. She always wore that welcoming smile and she will be missed!

Patsy Pack

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My sympathy to the family. So sorry for your loss.

Phyllis Brents

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

My heart is heavy at the loss of Gillis, who was a remarkable person. Having met as founding volunteers at the CPC, I liked and respected her, admired the calm way she managed hundreds of children touring the Clinton Library, and exuded such dignity and positive attitude during her cancer journey. She was a role model for all of us.

Kim Coryat

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I met Gillis right after I first moved here to work at the Clinton Library in 2004. She was a good friend, always supportive and caring. She also played a mean game of Words With Friends! We had such hopes she would beat the lousy odds that this awful cancer had given her. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Darleen Tripcony

Mar 15th, 2019 11:44 am

I worked with Gillis for many years throughput our careers with the State. She was always helpful, friendly and witty, and was devoted to helping the families of children who are deaf and hard of hearing. An avid Democrat and Bill Clinton supporter, I was not surprised when she was one of the first to volunteer at thr Clinton Presidential Center. We also shared a love of animals and volunteered together one Christmas for CARE's Photos With Santa. I know she will be missed by many, including colleagues, families and friends. RIP Gillis.

Gillis B. Ward

Leave your Condolence