Anna M. Gillis

Anna Mae Gillis, 95, Joplin, Missouri, died Sunday, August 6, 2023 at the home of her family. The only child of Sherman William Anderson and Grace Alice (Prawl) Anderson, Anna was born in Elwood, Kansas, April 1, 1928. She was married to the late George Harold Gillis at Falls City, Nebraska. George and Anna began their married life in St. Joseph, and Kansas City, Missouri prior to making their home in Joplin, Missouri in 1957. Anna was active with the Joplin Bowling League and was a volunteer with PTA in elementary and middle schools in Joplin. Additionally, she volunteered as a leader with the Brownie and Girl Scout troops, and was a den mother for the Cub Scouts of America. In 1966, Anna began her career as a restaurant manager working for the Junghans brothers at their first KFC in Joplin. She later managed Ken’s Pizza in Joplin and followed the franchise as it developed operations in Carthage, and Aurora. Upon the passing of her husband, George, in 1983, Anna enjoyed working multiple seasons at Silver Dollar City. Retirement years offered Anna the opportunity to follow her interests in sports and she was an avid fan of the Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, San Antonio Spurs and the K.C. Chiefs. She had a long standing admiration for horse racing and followed the daily races at all horse tracks, including the nostalgic Kentucky Derby. Anna enjoyed forming friendships through her memberships in the VFW, Surviving Spouses, and St. John’s Hospital Prestige Group. Bingo, Bunco, and card games were sources of her entertainment. Throughout her life, and even at the age of 95 yrs. old, her interest in politics was well-known by all who cared to hear her viewpoint. Anna made it a special event to regularly take advantage of her voting rights. She studied the issues on the ballot and could engage in interesting discussions point-by-point. Anna is survived by her five children, Ginny Holland, Barbara Largent, Linda Patten (Bill), Larry Gillis and Phillip Gillis (Glenda); grandchildren, Todd England, Justin (Bekki) Largent, Pennie (Eugene) Skelton, Brent Holland, Abbie (Ryan) Schwarz,Ryan (Danielle) Gillis, and Champayne Gillis; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren. She will be buried next to her husband. A memorial service will be held Friday, September 1, at 11:00 a.m. at Osborne Memorial Cemetery in Joplin, Missouri.

Anna M. Gillis

April 1, 1928 - August 6, 2023