Barbara Joan Gilliland, 91, passed away on May 18, 2024, at St. Mary’s Hospital. She was born in Knox, Indiana on December 3, 1932, to Chester Arthur and Thelma Mae Bennett. After graduating from Knox High School, she attended Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri. She married Robby Gilliland on January 16, 1953. Together, they made their home in Dodge Center, Minnesota where he was employed in electrical contracting and construction. During her working life, Barb was an accountant and business owner. She owned and managed the Red Horse Restaurant and later the
In-Town Floral.
Barb served her community and state through memberships, elected positions, and volunteerism. The American Legion Auxiliary, Eastern Star, Dodge County Historical Society, Lion’s Club, Monday Musicale, United Methodist Church, and Library Board were but a few of the organizations to which she belonged. She served on the School Board and City Council. She devoted her life to helping others, that is her true legacy.
Barb is survived by her two sons Bennett (Pamela) of Dodge Center, MN, and William (Kathleen Uhl) of Selbyville, DE; grandchildren Eric Hoffmann (Jodi), Hillary Laue (Cody), Robby Gilliland (Courtney), Carly Petterson (Adam), Sydney Gilliland, Abby Gilliland, Kelsey Leo (Sean Reilly); nine great grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter; one sister Bernice Koby; one brother Norman Bruce Bennett; and many nephews and nieces.
She was preceded in death by her husband Robby; daughter Jayne; parents; brothers Chester Bennett and Ben Bennett; and sisters Beverly Minix and Betty Osterreicher. Barb had many passions to include needlework, knitting, bridge, gardening, reading, and traveling.
But her greatest joy was spending time with her family. She also established many longstanding friendships throughout her life. To them, she was a friend like no other.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Dodge County Historical Society or Dodge Center United Methodist Church.
A visitation will be from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes in Dodge Center. A memorial service will be held at 1:00pm Friday, May 24, 2024, at Dodge Center United Methodist Church. Following the service there will be a luncheon at the American Legion in Dodge Center to celebrate and share stories of her life.
