Esther Gillette-Allen

Esther M. Gillette-Allen Morrison - Esther M. Gillette-Allen, 97, of Rock Falls, died Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at Pleasant View Nursing Home in Morrison. Esther was born March 25, 1914 in Mendota to Loran H. and Lillian L. Smith. She married Charles Emery "Jay" Gillette on October 18, 1931. She and her husband owned and operated Gillette Electric from 1946-1956 and Gillette Brothers Sporting Goods from 1956-1975. She was employed at Schwab's Answering Service from 1975-1976. Her husband, C.E. "Jay" Gillette, preceded her in death on January 11,1969. Esther married Mason L. Allen on November 4, 1977 and worked at Wheelock-Allen Funeral Homes from 1978-2002. Mason Allen passed away July 9, 1994. Esther was a member of the Rock Falls United Methodist Church for 67 years and was a Sunday School teacher for 30 years. Survivors include three sons, Allen C. Gillette, Rowland (Dawn) Gillette and Noel (Nancy) Gillette, all of Rock Falls; two daughters, Linda Patricia Gillette, of Morrison, and Mary M. (Richard) McQuoid, of Eucha, OK; one sister, Marian Sisler, of Dekalb; twelve grandchildren; forty-three great-grandchildren; fourteen great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; one step-child; several step-grandchildren; and several step-nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by one grandchild, Jack Gillette; two sisters, Evelyn Pippen and Edith Henry; and one brother, Lawrence Smith. Services will be held at 10:30 AM, Friday, November 4, 2011 at Schilling Funeral Home with Reverend Richard Fassig of Rock Falls United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be at the Oak Knoll Memorial Park, Sterling. Visitation will be from 9-10:30 AM, Friday, at the Funeral Home, prior to services. A memorial has been established to the Hospice of the Rock River Valley and Rock Falls Veteran's Park Fund. Condolences may be sent to www.schillingfuneralhome.com.