Mary Gill

Mary Lou Gill, age 84, passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, at Azria Health Longview.

Mary Lou was born on October 25, 1941, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, to the late Clive and Mary (Pitcher) Stogdill. She grew up as the third youngest of eight children - three sisters and four brothers - in a lively household that helped shape her sharp wit, competitive spirit, and lifelong love of games.

From a young age, Mary had an extraordinary gift for numbers. She was a true "human calculator," always impressing family and friends with her quick math skills. That talent, paired with her competitive nature, made her a formidable opponent at the card table. Some of her fondest memories were spent playing penny-ante poker and the card game Spite and Malice with her sisters and mother, often sitting together for hours, laughing and competing late into the evening.

On February 12, 1960, Mary married Gaylord Gill. They were blessed with six children and built a life rooted in family and hard work. For many years, she devoted herself to being a homemaker while also working alongside Gaylord in his business, Industrial Upholstery, where she handled the accounting with her characteristic precision. After Gaylord's passing on July 5, 1978, at University Hospital in Omaha, Mary continued to work tirelessly to support her family. Over the years, she held many roles, including waitress, daycare provider at Precious Memories and running her own successful in-home daycare, and even working in the meat department at Price Chopper.

Mary showed her love for her family through food and simple, thoughtful traditions. Her potato salad was a staple at every family gathering, and her deviled eggs and poached eggs were truly legendary. She canned tomatoes, always popped popcorn on the stove top, and when her children were young, she would warm their socks by hanging them on the oven door - a small but meaningful act of love.

She had an incredible passion for puzzles, especially large, intricate scenes of ships and castles. Tackling 3,000- and even 5,000-piece puzzles was a favorite pastime, with the size of her table often being the only thing limiting what she could complete.

Being a grandmother was one of Mary's greatest joys. Her many grandchildren loved spending the night with her - playing games, eating her homemade mac and cheese, watching movies from her extensive VHS collection (large enough to rival Blockbuster), and rearranging her famously popular refrigerator magnets. These moments created memories that will be cherished forever. She also shared a very special bond with her beloved dog, Lucky, who brought her many years of companionship and joy.

Mary was an avid bowler and could often be found at the bowling alley on Friday and Saturday nights as part of various bowling leagues. When bowling became more difficult, she adapted and created a Wii bowling league in her apartment complex so everyone could still play together. She also loved soap operas and game shows, especially Wheel of Fortune. She was an absolute wordsmith and her family firmly believes that had she ever made it onto the show, she would have been a big winner!

In her later years, she greatly enjoyed living at The Rose Senior Living Community in Council Bluffs, where she made many friends and spent her time playing games, doing puzzles, and creating crafts.

Mary will be remembered for her fun-loving spirit, her great laugh, and sharp, quick-witted mind. Her love of competition - especially around the card table - was matched only by her grit and vibrant sense of humor. These qualities defined her and live on through her children and grandchildren, who proudly carry forward her resilience and love of life.

In addition to her parents, Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Gaylord Gill; her sons, Monty Gill and Myron Gill; her siblings, Alice McClure, Shirley Smith, Janice Maloney, Morgan Stogdill, Clive "Bud" Stogdill, Tom Stogdill, and Doug Stogdill; and her granddaughter, Myra Jo Gill.

She is survived by her children: Mark Gill (Kay), Matt Gill (Barb), Melanie Clapp (Shane), and Morgan Gill (Jamie); her grandchildren: Randy Poole (Kori), Melissa Gill, Monica Gill, Tasha Thayer (Tom), Justin Gill, Jessica Mayo, Kyle Gill, Bradley Richardson, Tyler Gill (Camry), Reilly Comstock, Josie Dilts, Jared Dilts, Elisha Hathaway (Ethan Shellito), Mollie Gill, and Jackson Dilts; as well as many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Jolynne Gill; brother-in-law, Vern McClure; sister-in-law, Geraldine Gill; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of dear friends.

Visitation will be held from 12:00-1:00 PM on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 PM, with interment at Cedar Lawn Cemetery. Mary Lou's favorite color was yellow, and we invite everyone to wear a touch of yellow in her honor. The family will direct memorials.