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Sondra D. Gilley
About
FUNERAL HOME
1029 Washington Street
Columbus, Indiana
UPCOMING SERVICE
Visitation
Oct. 12, 2025
3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Homes and Crematory - Washington St.
Send FlowersSondra Gilley Obituary
A proud 1963 graduate of Columbus High School, Sondra's zest for life and her entrepreneurial spirit led her to a fulfilling career as a sales representative and director for Stanley Home Products, where she dedicated over 40 years. Her professional achievements, however, were only a part of her vibrant story. Sondra's heart truly belonged to the music and the congregations of the United Christian Church in Paris Crossing and the Bethel Baptist Church in Columbus, where she served not only as a choir director but also as a gifted piano player, touching the hearts of all who heard her play.
Sondra's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and her commitment to her community. Her love for music was only rivaled by her love for her family. She was the beloved daughter of the late Curtis Brodhecker and Norma J. Day Brodhecker Maxwell. On July 16, 1967, she married Roger L. Gilley, who remains to honor her memory. Together, they raised a family that includes their children, Jeanne Anne (Brian) Hopkins of Columbus, Deborah (Damon) Marling of Paris Crossing, and Stephen (Jenny) Gilley of Columbus. She will also be remembered by her grandchildren, Jordan Hopkins, Brandon (Codi) Hopkins, Caleb (Alyssa) Marling, Megan (Eric) McIntosh, Tanner (Madison) Marling, Cole Gilley and his fiance, Emma Kaelin, Cadence Gilley and Chloe Gilley; great-grandchildren, Bennett, Harper, Molly, Miley, Kinsley, Bodee, Clete, Lakyn, Cole, Ivy, Mya, Eva and baby boy to arrive in March 2026; sister, Rebecca (Reggie) Nikirk of Bedford; mother-in-law, Lillian Gilley of Columbus; brothers and sisters-in-law, Rick Moutardier of Bedford, Keith and Trudi Gilley of North Vernon, Denny and Amber Gilley of Columbus, Jill and Tony Garris of Columbus, Jennifer and Danny Fields of Columbus, Sandy Gilley of Batesville and Pam Gilley of Columbus; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Sondra was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Ellen Moutardier and Susan Brodhecker.
Sondra found joy in cooking sweets, tending to her flower garden, and spreading cheer with the simple act of passing out suckers wherever she went. Her love for Christmas and the story of Christmas was profound, and she celebrated the season with an infectious enthusiasm that drew her family and friends into the warmth of the holiday spirit.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, October 13, 2025, at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street; Pastor Damon Marling will officiate. Family and friends may gather for visitation from 3-6 p.m. Sunday and from 10 a.m. until service time Monday. Sondra will be laid to rest at the Bethel Baptist Cemetery.
In memory of Sondra, memorial contributions may be made to United Christian Church Building Fund.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Gilley family at barkesweaverglick.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Sondra Gilley
Oct
12
Oct
13
Funeral services provided by:
Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Homes and Crematory - Washington St.1029 Washington Street, Columbus, IN 47201
Memories and Condolences
for Sondra Gilley
2 Entries
Richard and Lila Ritz
October 9, 2025
Sondra and I were band nerds in the Columbus High School Big Blue Band in 1962 and 1963. My first memory of her is when she was walking down the high school hall my yelling out, "Hey Brod". I have called her that ever since. We had wonderful years together in the band, marching, concerts, band camp etc.
Later in life, as adults, we got together at several band reunions in August, which she organized. I would help her organize lists of people to call and we would have anywhere from 14-34 gather each year.
My wife, Lila fell in love with Sondra the first time they met. We would stay at their house on our trips from Florida and attend the church of her son-in-law, Damon Marling and Debbie and eat at the Marling house afterwards. Those times and the times spent at their house with her and Roger, laughing, singing, playing piano and simply enjoying their friendship and company were very special to both Lila and me.
She was wonderful, vibrant, funny, full of life and love, and a pleasure to be around. I can't add much more without repeating what, I'm sure, others have said and will say. It will all be the same descriptive story of a woman of God who loved everyone and was loved in equal measure. She personified Christ in her walk and life. We will miss her greatly.
I have included pictures we took of reunions, at Zaharako's and elsewhere when we would visit.
Marijane Love
October 8, 2025
I have known Sondra since I was a Girl Scout leader back in the late 1970's and 80's. I have also known a lot of the Gilley family since I was in grade school in the 1950's at Kent School. (Chalmer was in my class) so lots of good memories. Your family will be in my prayers. She will be missed. With love from Arizona, Marijane Love
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