Verna Mary Gillingham

Verna Mary Gillingham, 99, of Richland Center died on, Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at Harvest Guest Home in Richland Center. She was born February 18, 1926, at home in Bloom City to David and Merle (Martin) Braithwaite. Verna Mary attended the Bloom City Grade School, later graduated from West Lima High School and then attended the Richland County Normal School.
Verna Mary married Francis "Rosie" Gillingham June 4, 1947, and they resided in Richland Center where they owned/operated the Gillingham Service Garage on Burton Street, owned/operated the Richland Center school buses from the 1940's to 1975. Verna Mary served her community as a 4-H leader and school crossing guard; she also worked at the bakery at Burnstads and retired from Rockwell Automation where she worked as an inspector for 22 years.
Verna Mary is survived by her son Terry Gillingham of Portland Oregon, Edward Gillingham of Hillsboro, David Gillingham (Eileen Stevens) of Richland Center, 5 grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 2-step great grandchildren.
Verna Mary was preceded in death by her parents David and Merle Braithwaite, husband Francis "Rosie" Gillingham, daughter Martha/Mardel Brown, brothers and sister-in laws, Warren and Anita Braithwaite, Wayne and Delane Braithwaite, and Wilmer and Shurl Braithwaite, and a great grandson Carson Sipe.
The family would like to thank Harvest Guest Home for their care and support these past 5 years and these past few months of support by the Agrace Hospice team.
A Celebration of Life for Verna Mary will be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Pratt Memorial Chapel from 10:00 AM to the time of services at 11:00 AM. A livestream of the service can be viewed at the Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service website. A luncheon will follow in the Pratt Community Hall. A burial will be held at the Bloom City Cemetery. The family suggests in lieu of flowers that memorials be made in Verna Mary's name to Grandview Family Worship, PO Box 109, Richland Center, WI 53581. The Pratt Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.