Noretta Gwen Gillespie

Noretta Gwen Gillespie, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2026. She was born in Gallipolis, Ohio on March 20th to the late Thomas and Margaretta Evans Williams.

She will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and love of Gallipolis. Noretta dedicated her life to her family and friends; and she was always someone you could go to for advice, love, and comfort.

Noretta's professional career of 38 years was within the Gallipolis City Schools working as a nurse and speech therapist aide, then as a receptionist for Gallipolis City Schools Administration Office. She was a member of the following organizations in the community: Mother's Club, Cardigans Welsh Club, Gallipolis Emblem Club #199 (a member since 1951), Women of Grace Mary of Bethany at the Methodist Church, and Red Hat Society. Noretta was a member of the graduating class of 1957, enjoyed the symphony performances at the Ariel Theater, and traveled with the Senior Citizens bus adventures.

Noretta was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Evan Gillespie in 1999. She is survived by her sons: Tim, and his wife Kim and Ted, and his wife Jennifer; grandchildren: Zachary and his wife Heather Gillespie, Jenny and her husband Wes Morgan, Hannah and her husband Taylor Childs, and Eric Gillespie and his fiance Olivia Meadows; great grandchildren: Violet Gillespie, Lucy Morgan, and Nora and Josephine Childs; and very special friends and caregivers.

Please join us celebrating her life Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Ray Kane officiating. Interment will be in Mound Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday at the funeral home from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Noretta's memory to the City of Gallipolis, P.O. Box 339, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631. It's the family's wish to place a memorial swing in her honor at the park front in Gallipolis.