Lila Belle Gillespie

Lila Belle Gillespie, 97, graced this earth from August 4, 1926 until May 21, 2024 and lived a wonderful life. She was born to Fred and Matilda (Spillar) Thielepape in Dripping Springs, Texas. She married her childhood sweetheart, John Gillespie, and they enjoyed life together for almost sixty years.
Lila is survived by three children, eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Surviving children include Don Gillespie, and his wife Aileen; Connie Gillespie Vaclavik, and her husband Dale; and Jim Gillespie, and his wife Jan. Lila was predeceased by her husband John, son, John Michael Gillespie, and grandson Jason Gillespie. Some of their most enjoyable times were living in Dripping Springs and having family and friends out to their place on Gatlin Creek, fondly called the Country.
Lila, and John, were very active in First Baptist Church of Dripping Springs and had many friends at the church. One of Lila's favorite accomplishments was being on the church rebuilding committee and working alongside Charlie Haydon in getting the church rebuilt to the beautiful building it is today. They worked tirelessly, along with others. Lila and John also volunteered at Phillips Cemetery and marked many a grave there and consoled many families.
The family appreciates the wonderful care by her Hospice nurse, Reanna Hedin of Suncrest Care, and the caregivers at The Philomena in Kyle, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Phillips Cemetery Association, PO Box 557, Dripping Springs, TX 78620-0557.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 10:30am at First Baptist Church in Dripping Springs, Texas. Pallbearers will be Dane & Matt Vaclavik, Mike Gillespie, Ralph Breed, Charlie Haydon and Hunter Stewart. Honorary Pallbearers are Freddie, Terry and Eva Breed, and Bill, John and Annette Thielepape.