Rose Louise Gillenwater

Rose "Louise" Gillenwater
Louise, 95, of Crab Orchard WV, passed away Feb. 11th, 2021 surrounded by family. She was the daughter of the late Walter and Rebecca Lowe Brown. She was born in Cedar Bluff, VA, 1 of 9 children. She was preceded in death by her parents, 8 siblings, husband Bill Gillenwater, granddaughter Debbie Pizzino, and son in law Charles Gray.
She married Bill GIllenwater in 1945. They were parents of 4 children. Barbara Small (Wayne) of Zebulon, NC, Margaret Gray of Crab Orchard, Kay Spence of Crab Orchard, and Billy Gillenwater (Gina) of Sophia. She loved her children and they loved and cherished her every day of her life.
She graduated in 1944 from the first graduating class of Sophia High School. She was a great cook, and well known for her yeast rolls and chocolate cake. She was a voracious reader, loved to dance, listen to music, and play cards (she won most of the time). She enjoyed going to the Midway VFW and spending time with her many friends there. She was witty and had a great sense of humor. All who knew her loved her.
She and Bill raised their children in Slab Fork, where she worked as a clerk at the Post Office for many years.
In addition to her children, she is survived by 8 grandchildren. Jeff (Michelle) Cox, Scott Cox, USMC Mgy Sgt Billy Ray Gillenwater (Jheny), Lydia Aldridge (Joe), Lisa Stowers (Brian), Harold Ford (Rachel), and Michelle & Jim Small.
She has 13 great-grandchildren. Lindsey (Curran) Blackwell, Garrett Cox, Corrie Cox, Ashley (John) Rogers, Destiny Kidd, USMC LCpl Joshua Gillenwater, Amira and Anabelle Gillenwater, Piper, Cooper, and Maverick Aldridge, Nicholas (Astrid) Stowers, and Savana Ford.
3 great-great grandchildren; Nataleigh Dickens, Harper Rose Blackwell, and Adam Garcia Murillo.
She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and many numerous friends. She will be missed by all.
Special thanks and gratitude to Dr. Harold Harvey, II and staff for the excellent care and compassion she received during her lifetime.
Services will be held Monday, February 15, 2021 at 1pm at Calfee Funeral Home, 800 S. Oakwood Ave, Beckley, WV with Pastor Vondie L. Cook, II officiating. Visitation will be 12 to 1 prior to service.