Mrs. Bea Gilliland, 79, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she  the passed away at 8:24 PM, Friday, November 27th 2015 at Parkview Regional Medical Center of Fort Wayne.

On December 10 , 1935, Beatrice was born in Prestonsburg, KY the cherished daughter of Bert and Audie Howard Damron.  Growing up as the third oldest of the 14  Damron children, Bea shared her childhood with six sisters and seven brothers.

In Rochester, Bea and Richard Lee Gilliland were married on December 18 , 1955.  Together they shared nearly 60 years of life's adventures.   From their union came two sons, Jerry and Marvin.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of four grandchildren and five  great-grandchildren, with another expected in May.

E mbarking on her professional career, Bea initially worked as a garment presser for Topps Manufacturing.  Later she worked in the banking industry for Society Bank and Leiter's Ford State Bank.  At home she and Dick planted and harvested a huge truck patch garden annually, sharing the bountiful harvest with family and special friends.  They also canned and froze some of the produce for winter use.  She also planted flowers to enhance the landscape of their home.  An animal lover, Bea was a great friend to the backyard birds, feeding them and observing their behaviors.  She also enjoyed the companionship of her treasured dogs, Marley and Sadie, and kitty Butch.

As an adventurer Bea loved to travel.  Her favorite destination was Branson, MO.  She and Dick introduced their family to campouts.  Winamac State Park was the favorite locale for overnights on the weekend.  There was nothing better than sitting by the campfire under the warm summer starlit nights and reminiscing while roasting hotdogs or making s'mores!

Grandma Gilliland was proud to oversee four generations.  She could be seen in the bleachers at nearly every sporting event... softball, tennis matches, basketball, cheerleading, academic honors nights or choir concerts.   She cherished her granddaughters.  The holidays brought on baking weekends.  Grandma was at home in her kitchen command post sharing her culinary skills with Melissa and Kristen.    It was here that they teamed to create sugar cookies, candies, fudge, mints and buckeyes.  Who was their official taste tester? It was Grandpa in charge of quality control.  One of her best dishes in demand was ham and beans with warm cornbread coming straight from the oven.  A true lady of great versatility, Grandma truly rocked.  She would ride the roller coasters at Holiday World with the girls.  She once engaged in the sport of roller blading, until she crashed and broker her wrist.

More recently, Great-Grandma looked forward to the visits and celebrations  with her Great-Grands.  With a passion for family Bea also looked forward to shopping with her sisters and family reunions, reminiscing about the past but making new memories.

Bea is lovingly remembered by her husband, Richard; a son Marvin Gilliland and wife Julie of Yorktown;   two granddaughters: Melissa McNall and husband Justin and their children Ethan Halas, Olivia Kay and Brayden Lee McNall of Fishers; Kristen DeLoddere and husband Josh and their daughter Alison Marie DeLoddere of Whitestown; two grandsons:  Neon Beecroft, Harley Beecroft and great-granddaughter Aubree Beecroft;  4 sisters: Dottie Hudkins and husband John of Rochester, Lottie Smoker and husband Ed of Rochester, Ellen Conley and husband Jim of Rochester, Sue Shuey and husband Marty of Rensselaer; a brother, Carl Damron of Rochester; numerous nieces and nephews; canine companions Marley and Sadie, the black lab-German Shepherd mixes; and her feline companion Butch, an orange domestic short-hair.

Preceding Bea in death are her parents; a son, Jerry Lynn Gilliland;  two sisters: Ann Lewis, Judy Croussore; and six Damron brothers: Burl, Johnnie, Dewey, Clifford, Andy, and Luther.

Rev. Don Meyer will officiate services.