June Marie Gilham

June Marie Gilham, 90, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025, in Des Moines, Iowa.

Born on July 31, 1935, in Waukee, Iowa, June was the daughter of William and Alice Gilham. She grew up alongside her siblings - brothers William, Royce, and Warren Gilham, and sister Louise Davis - all of whom preceded her in death.  June graduated Waukee High School in 1952.

June dedicated much of her professional life to Farmers Mutual Hail Insurance, where she worked for several decades. Over the years, she held a variety of positions within the company before retiring in 1996 after 44 years of service. Her long-standing commitment to her work reflected her strong sense of responsibility and perseverance.

Outside of her career, June embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. In her younger years, she was an avid bowler and took great joy in traveling to out-of-state tournaments with her sister and brother-in-law, Si. She also visited many sites throughout the U.S. on bus tours. June enjoyed watching a wide variety of sports. She was fond of golf, and rooting for the Iowa Hawkeyes and Los Angeles Dodgers. June had a deep love for animals and shared her life with many beloved pets over the years. Her home was always open to furry companions who brought her comfort and joy.

She is lovingly remembered by her nephews Ron Davis, Howard (Vickey) Davis, and Jerry Gilham; nieces Patricia (Jim) Tonsi, Marilyn (Ken) Carston, and Diane Gilham; as well as numerous great-nieces and great-nephews who will cherish their memories of time spent with her.

June's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.  May it bring comfort to us all who mourn her passing. A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 6, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., with visitation one hour prior, both at Ernst Funeral Home, 80 NE Dartmoor Drive, Waukee. She will be laid to rest at the Waukee Cemetery after the service with a luncheon held back at the funeral immediately following the interment.

Memorial donations may be made in June's memory to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa.

Ernst Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Waukee has been entrusted with June's final arrangements.