Mary Gilkeson

1920 - 2015

PRINCEVILLE - Mary Elizabeth Harnish Gilkeson, 95, of rural Princeville passed away at 9:05 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2015, at the Lutheran Home in Peoria.

Mary was born June 17, 1920, in Peoria above the Garden Street Mission. Her father, John Harnish, was the mission's first director and her mother, Viola Ulrich Harnish, the first matron. She married Donald Franklin Gilkeson on Nov. 8, 1941, in Eureka. He preceded her in death on Oct. 22, 2003.

Also preceding her in death were one daughter, Emma Sue Allen; one grandson, Richard "Ted" Jakle; and two brothers, Eugene and John Harnish.

Surviving are five sons, Franklin (Holly) Gilkeson of Dahlonega, Ga., Robert Gilkeson of Albuquerque, N.M., John (Barbara) Gilkeson of Peoria, Harrison Gilkeson of rural Princeville and Jefferson Gilkeson of Arlington, Va.; two daughters, Barbara (Gary Sloane) Gilkeson of San Carlos, Calif., and Ruth (Col. Terry) Nelsen of Chantilly, Va.; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Charles Harnish of California and James Harnish of Tiskilwa, Ill.

Mary was an investigator for the Illinois Department of Family Services.

In 1971, she was a cofounder of The Citizens Committee to Preserve Jubilee. Through their work it became The Jubilee College State Park and Historic Site. She helped create the Old English Faire and faithfully served at the event.

Cremation has been accorded and a celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 10, 2015, at the chapel on the grounds of Jubilee College State Park. Burial of ashes will be in the Jubilee Churchyard Cemetery. All are invited to attend.

Memorial contributions may be made to Akron/Princeville Ambulance Service.

Haskell-Hott Funeral Homes in Princeville is in charge of arrangements.

Expressions of condolences may be left for the family on Mary's tribute wall at www.haskellhott.com.