Mary Gilman - LHS Class of 1959

Mary Gilman departed this life and burst into Heaven May 19, from Tehachapi, California. Her life on earth will be celebrated May 25 at 10 a.m. at the Country Oaks Baptist Church.
She was born June 26, 1941, on a small island in the Missouri River near Lansing, Kansas, to Myron and Rosalie Gilman. The one-room High Prairie School was her seat of education Grades 1 through 8. She graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1959. At Kansas State University, she met Mert Welch; and they were married in 1960 and moved to California, where they started their family.
Thirty years later, she continued her college education, receiving a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from Redlands University, while working full-time and carrying a full academic load. Varied employment opportunities took her from Anchorage to London in those intervening years. She was a financial officer for Foothill Corporation in Century City for 20 years. She moved to Tehachapi in the late ‘90s, studied real estate, and after her first year with Century 21, she received Century’s top producer award. She was later elected president of the Tehachapi Area Association of Realtors.
Her life was one of passion, marked by vigor and enthusiasm with her very breath. She loved her boys and she loved her Lord. Mary’s light never shined brighter than when she was with or talking about her grandchildren. Her cheerful nature made it easier to attain her daily goal of making someone laugh. Jokes and antics were her stock.
Most no one is surprised to learn that she danced on tables now and again. Nor would they be surprised that she played uproarious games (Yahtzee was a favorite), or that Las Vegas made her eyes sparkle. Yet her compassion ran deep for the hurting, and she was regularly to be found encouraging someone who was in pain, as her lengthy familiarity with illness and her trust in the Lord carried tender authority.
Through it all ran her life’s commitment to fun. She took the party with her, bringing hope and vitality to each setting by her simple presence. She was a walking testimony to Jesus’ “life and life abundant.” She was an active member of the body of Christ at Country Oaks Baptist Church, teaching teenage girls, and a loving volunteer to the children of Heritage Oak School.
She is survived by her son, Mark Welch, and his daughters, Molly Townsend and Mandy Foster; her son, Mitchell Welch, and his wife, Lisa, and their son, Joshua; and great-grandchildren, Kathleen and Patrick Townsend and John Will Foster V.
Donations may be made to Heritage Oak School in remembrance of Mary. Wood Family Funeral Service is handling the arrangements.  For condolences please visit www.woodmortuary.net.