Alma Louise Horton Gillispie

Alma Louise Horton Gillispie, 83, Lawrence, formerly of Bel Aire, Kan., passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2011, at Lawrence Presbyterian Manor.
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 5, 2011, at 10 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, Wichita.
Alma was born September 28, 1927, in Vineland, N.J., the daughter of Claude and Gertrude Horton. On May 30, 1952, she entered into marriage with Sidney T. Gillispie, with whom she journeyed around the country and through life until his passing in 1998.
Alma was an avid correspondent with family and friends. She was shy in front of the camera, but was the designated photographer for family events. For many years she served as a volunteer photographer for the city of Bel Aire. One of the cherished times of her life was the few years in the late 1940s that she spent as an overseas telephone operator in Honolulu. Alma was a proud and enthusiastic Cub Scout and Webelos Den Leader during her sons’ Scouting years. She greatly loved and enjoyed her grandchildren, acting as day care provider for several of them while they were very young.
Survivors include three children, Sidney T. (Scott) Gillispie Jr. of Wichita, Patricia Gillispie Miller and Harry Miller of Lawrence, and James D. Gillispie and Michelle Spencer of Tulsa, Okla.; one brother, Richard Horton of Vineland, N.J.; six grandchildren, David, Dustin, Danielle, Lydia, Nathaniel and Aaron; one step-granddaughter, Christy; one great-granddaughter, Jade; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, her brother Claude Horton, Jr., and her infant daughter, Janet.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Alma’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, the Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, or your favorite charity.