Ravenna Burk Gillespie of Vernon passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2017, at La Casa Serena in Eagar. Services will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel in Vernon, with a viewing 45 minutes prior at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the Vernon Cemetery. She was born April 2, 1934, in Eagar, the ninth of 11 children born to Dan and Florence Edith Rothlisberger Burk. Ravenna spent her growing up years at Eagar, where she attended elementary and high school. On March 21, 1952, she married Milton Ardell Gillespie. They lived most of their life in Vernon with a few short stays in Douglas and Casa Grande for Milt’s building work. Vernon was to be their home. Together, she and Milt raised seven children. The role of mother was one she cherished. She loved her children and grandchildren. Her love was seen through her actions, heard in her prayers and pleading, and felt through tender glances and embraces. Ravenna was very talented. She was an accomplished seamstress, sewing many shirts and dresses for her family and others. Later in life she had a desire to advance from pencil sketches to oil painting. She painted many Southwest and rustic themes. She entered her paintings at the Apache County fair and received a top ribbon. She loved music and loved to sing. She could chord on the piano. Harmony was natural for her. Reading was one of Ravenna’s favorite pass times. She was often found studying many different gospel subjects, always striving to strengthen her testimony. Her greatest treasure was her testimony of the gospel. She served in many callings, including Relief Society, Primary and Sunday School at the branch, ward and stake level. Her last and longest calling was that of branch chorister. She loved the hymns. She truly loved and had a testimony of the gospel and her Savior Jesus Christ. On Nov. 25, 2006, Milt and Ravenna were sealed for time and all eternity at the Snowflake Arizona Temple. She will be loved and missed by her husband, children and extended family. She is survived by Milton Gillespie; her seven children, Kaylma (Warren) Rohrer, Jake Gillespie, Mona (Roy) Hall, Jolan (Ed) Jirsa, Curt (Lannie) Gillespie, Christine (Matt) Jeffs and Dylan (Missy) Gillespie; her siblings, Batsy Beedle and Erlan (Freddie Jo) Burk; her brother-in-law, Ed (Lapriel) Gillespie; and many nieces and nephews. Ravenna’s posterity includes 25 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and eight siblings. Owens Livingston Mortuary of Show Low was in charge of the arrangements.
