Lola Gillham

Lola Marie Robison Gillham of Caney died in her home from natural causes on March 25th, 2022 at 99 years of age.

Lola was born on the 21st of November 1922, in Tyro, KS as the third child of Neddie and Ida Fuqua Robison. She attended school in Tyro and Caney. Following her junior year of Caney High, she married Clarence Gillham on July 8, 1939, in Sedan, KS. Shortly after marrying, they lived in California for a brief time. She and Clarence returned to Caney in the fall, never to move away again.

Lola and Clarence operated Gillham’s Furniture in Caney for nearly 60 years. Not only was the store a place of business, but it was also a gathering place for friends and family, with children always enjoying the stairs and deck. During those years Lola particularly enjoyed selling wallpaper to many area ladies.

Lola’s life was devoted to caring for others. She was always eager to host all her family. Thoughts of Lola always include seeing her in her kitchen wearing an apron. Memories of such gatherings include having numerous families at one time, requiring that kiddos were on “Baptist Pallets” in the living room and on the front porch. Through the years, Lola served in many areas of CWF in the Caney First Christian Church. She served her parents, brothers, in-laws, and various other relatives without reservation. It distressed her greatly when she was the one needing care instead of giving it.

She was preceded in death by her husband Clarence Gillham, brothers Harry, Marion, Charles, Dale and William, sister Vergie Allison, son-in-law Tom Schabel, as well as her parents.

Lola’s memory will be cherished by her three children and their families: son Robert (Bob) of Caney, his daughter Michelle (Lou) Anne and Will of Wylie, TX.  Daughter Dianne Schabel of Caney, her sons Tom (Angie), Kristen and Alyssa of Sunnyvale, TX. Tim (Carmen), Audrey, Kaley, Luke and Maggie of Aledo, TX. Son Steven Gillham and wife Debbie (newly relocated from Coffeyville to St Charles, MO) their son Steven, (Amanda), Madison and Amelia of St. Peters MO., sisters Clara Coltharp of Blackwell OK, Ruth Ann Hicks of Hot Springs Village, AR, and Martha Fowler of Budd’s Creek, MD. Also, there are numerous nieces and nephews with great memories of time at Aunt Lola’s.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 1, 2022, at Tyro Christian Church, 301 S Market St, Tyro, KS 67364 under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel. Evangelist David Bycroft will be officiating.  Visitation will be held Friday, April 1st from 12:30 to 2pm, followed by the Celebration of Lola’s Life. The family requests donations be made payable to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice as their compassionate care and attention has been so appreciated and may in care of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel, 2405 Woodland Ave., Coffeyville, KS. To leave an online condolence or share a memory visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com