Obituary of Myrle Adelaide Gill
“Mike” Myrle Gill (nee Fleming) brought her delightful presence and wonderful outlook to the world June 12, 1926, the daughter of a Chico veterinarian originally from Iowa living on what is now the Esplanade. She regaled friends with stories of growing up in Chico and attending church with her family, a family which is now spread about somewhat, yet every spring many gather in the Chico cemetery to remember those who have gone before. This year, on January 28, 2019, she has joined “those who have gone before”, leaving behind a host of friends and “family” who have been changed forever by knowing Mike.
A quiet lady who lived through the Great Depression and WWII, she lived with her husband Floyd for a while in North Dakota where he trained with the U.S. Army Air Force. Having been in the Army infantry during the war, Floyd was wounded in 1944 at Normandy. He never forgot the war or his comrades whom he joined regularly at WWII reunions, Mike his constant companion. Mike loved to say if Floyd hadn’t been in law enforcement, he would most certainly have been a fine minister. In lieu of that, he served his lodge for years as chaplain, knowing every word by heart.
A true Masonic family, Floyd was a 32nd degree Mason; and Mike was Eastern Star Past Matron of Janesville and Gridley, active in White Shrine, Court of the Amaranth, and Daughters of the Nile, and a constant presence and supporter in the Gridley Vernon Chapter of the Eastern Star and the North Butte Masonic Lodge #230 where many affectionately referred to Mike as the Lodge mom. She was always there, even after she lost Floyd, supporting her son Jim in his six separate terms as Master and traveling with him to Chico, Marysville, Forbestown, and a myriad other lodges, playing cards in the social hall while Lodge met, always bringing her Friendship Cakes to friends and family, wrapped snuggly in wax paper and accompanied by kind words and the constant smile.
Mike was first and foremost a Christian, born into a Christian family, marrying a totally Christian man, and never missing church, including the Sunday after Floyd passed away. Always a volunteer, never one to brag or toot her own horn, Mike worked steadily and surely in her church, helping with community dinners, and studying scripture. Everyone who knew Mike will always smile at the memory of her – never a cruel word, never a raised voice, never a hurtful glance; she could nonetheless make errant ones fully aware of her displeasure. ALWAYS a smile for those around her, Mike never spoke out without first pursing her lips, inhaling deeply, and then uttering her words of wisdom. Ninety-two years she blessed this earth and those around her with her presence. All will miss you, Mike.
Graveside service at Gridley Biggs Cemetery will be held on February 8, 2019 at 2 p.m. A Celebration of life to be held at North Butte Masonic Lodge #230, corner of Sycamore and Vermont Streets, April 20, 2019 at noon.
Arrangements entrusted to Gridley-Block Funeral Chapel, 530-846-2138.