Ruth Gilson

Ruth Gilson, 93, of Pensacola, Florida, formerly of Midland, died Wednesday evening, March 28, 2007 at Bayside Manor in Pensacola.

She was born July 25, 1913 in Midland County, daughter of the late Otto and Elizabeth (Draves) Bensch. She was a graduate of Midland High School and also County Normal. On August 3, 1934 she was married to R. (Ray) Ellery Gilson. He predeceased her March 24, 1977. Mrs. Gilson was a teacher for several years at the Bensch School in Midland, and was a member of the St. John's Lutheran Church in Midland for her entire life before moving to be near her daughter in Pensacola six years ago. She and her husband enjoyed traveling with their Airstream trailer for many years. She also enjoyed playing golf and knitting.

Surviving is her son, Sawnie R. Gilson of Grand Junction, Colorado and her daughter Margo Pell and her husband David of Pensacola and one granddaughter, Andrea Pell also of Pensacola, her sister, Hilda Aiken and her husband Clair of Midland, her sister-in-law Lois Bensch and several nieces and nephews and their spouses: Kathy Aiken, Jerry Aiken, Rick and Jan Aiken, Debbie and Keith Dompier, Sue Perkins, Pam and Jim Lee, Bruce and Michelle Bensch, Donna and Bill Mallone, and Raymond and Janene Bensch.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Gilson was predeceased by her brother, Willard Bensch and her sister, Margaret Rich.

Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 3, 2007 from the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Chapel, 1200 West Wheeler Street, Midland. Reverend John Pohanka of the St. John's Lutheran Church will officiate with burial to follow in the Midland Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Ruth's family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 5-7 p.m. and on Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. until time of services.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Cancer Society. If you cannot meet with the family in person, you may send your condolences through www.waresmithwoolever.com