Gilliam, Madaline L.

Madaline L. Gilliam, 96, died peacefully Wednesday, June 9, 2010, at the Solon Nursing Care Center in Solon. A memorial service celebrating Madaline's life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, June 18, at Lensing's Oak Hill, 210 Holiday Rd., Coralville. Following the service, the family will greet friends from 4 to 6 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Blue Eye United Methodist Church in Blue Eye, Mo., or New Horizons United Methodist Church in Coralville.

Lensing Funeral Service is handling the arrangements.

Madaline was born in Fairfax, Mo., on April 15, 1914, the daughter of James and Maud (Fellows) Cook. She grew up in Atchison County, Mo., and graduated from Tarkio High School in Tarkio, Mo. She later went on to earn her B.A. from Tarkio College and her M.A. from Northwest Missouri State University. For over 33 years, Madaline was a teacher in the Tarkio area. On Oct. 2, 1936, Madaline was united in marriage to Richard Gilliam in St. Joseph, Mo. Richard passed away Dec. 19, 1993.

Madaline was a wonderful lady who truly cherished her family. She was passionate about teaching and valued each and every one of her students. In her free time, Madaline enjoyed gardening, painting, quilting and knitting.

Survivors include her two sons, David (Sharon) Gilliam of Blue Eye, Mo., and Bill (Judy) Gilliam of Iowa City; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Madaline was preceded in death by a brother and three sisters.

Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at     under obituaries.