Josephine Gills

Josephine Rebecca (Free) Gills, age 95, of Thurmont, MD., died peacefully at home on Saturday, September 24, 2016. She was born April 1, 1921 in Creagerstown. She was the daughter of the late Byron E. Free and Elsie J. (Rhodes) Free. She was the last surviving child of the Byron Free family.

Josephine was a life long member and dedicated worker of the St. Johns Lutheran Church in Creagerstown. She was a long time member of the evangelism committee, adult Sunday school class, adult bible study and faithful workers. She enjoyed playing the piano and singing in the choir. She was a 1939 graduate of Thurmont High School and worked for many years for the board of education as a cafeteria worker in the Thurmont schools before retiring in 1987. One of the most important things to Josephine was her family history. She spent countless hours putting together information about her family that could be passed on to future generations.

After the death of her first husband, Joseph L. Smith, and her second husband, Robert B. Gills, Josephine remained a devoted and loving mother raising her five children. In later years, she was just as devoted to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was loved by all and will be greatly missed.

Josephine was also predeceased by her daughter, Joanne R. (Smith) Davenport; granddaughter, Rebekah E. Gills; brothers, Morris and Edwin Free; and sisters, Helen Eyler and Myrtle Free. Josephine is survived by four sons, Joseph L. Smith of Thurmont, John B. Gills and wife Paula A. (Bollinger) of Fairfield, Pa., Robert E. Gills and wife Donna M. (Hahn) of Smithsburg, MD., and Steven L. Gills and wife Susan D. (Dewees) of Fairfield, Pa.,; seven grandchildren, Susan Davenport and friend Tamara King, Michael Gills and Fabi Dufour, Jeremy Gills and wife Beth, Daniel Gills and wife Kristin, Mark Gills and wife Sarah, Joel Gills and wife Brandi, Luke Gills and Candis Worthy; 16 great-grandchildren, Rebecca Schutrumpf Dawson, Michael Schutrumpf, Joshua, Kaitlyn, Courtney, Paige, Aubrey, Brooklyn, Aiden, Rebekah, Tristan, Alexi, Annebelle, Christian, and Jacob Gills; four great-great-grandchildren, Casey, Megan, Emily Dawson, and Nathaniel Krzyanowski. Josephine was very close to her four remaining niece and nephews, Janie Eyler,  Frank, Bob and Ron Free.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 104 E. Main Street, Thurmont.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 28 at St. Johns Lutheran Church in Creagerstown, with visitation at the church from 10 until 11 a.m. Officiating will be Pastor Wayne Blaser.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Faithful Workers at St. Johns Lutheran Church.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.