Esther E. Gilliland

**Esther E. Gilliland,** 98, of Olean passed away Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at Ripley Crossing in Milan. She was born at Friendship on March 23, 1917 the daughter of Jesse and Hulda Vinup Linkmeyer. She was married to Howard Schwake on September 11, 1935 and he preceded her in death on June 30, 1966. She was married to William Gilliland in November of 1969 and he preceded her in death on July 12, 2008. Survivors include one daughter Sharon Spencer and her companion Ted Jones of Madison; three granddaughters Debbie (Robert) Hudson of New Albany, Teresa Gerth of Austin, and Marsha (John) Uhl of Madison; 7 great-grandchildren; one sister Mary Lou (Allen) Narwold of Batesville. She was also preceded in death by her parents, her brother James Linkmeyer, and her sisters Ruth Cutter, Dorothy Schwoeppe, and Thelma Hiner. Mrs. Gilliland attended the St. John Lutheran School in Farmers Retreat, a walk she made from Friendship every day. She was a full time homemaker and enjoyed her gardening and her home in Olean was always adorned with the roses she had attended. She enjoyed visiting and receiving visits from her family and friends, and was a big fan of Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune on TV. Esther was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Olean where she participated in the WELCA and the Martha Circle. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Pastor Curtis Black officiating. Burial will be in St. Peter's Cemetery at Olean. Visitation will be on Friday from 5pm to 8pm. Memorials may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church or St. Peters Cemetery in care of the funeral home.