Letha Louise Gillespie's Obituary
Letha Louise Gillespie, 94, of Leesburg, Florida, passed peacefully on July 14, 2026. She walked through life anchored by a deep and steady faith, and she has now entered her eternal home in Heaven with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Letha was born in Manistee, Michigan, on February 1, 1932, to Carl and Gladys Townsend. She graduated from Manistee High School in 1949 and soon moved to St.Paul, Minnesota, where she attended and graduated from Mounds Mid-Way School of Nursing, beginning a lifelong dedication to caring for others with skill, compassion, and dignity.
Letha was a life-long member of First Baptist Church of Manistee. It was there, as a toddler; she met her future husband, Kenneth “Ken” Gillespie..
On August 15, 1953, Letha married Ken in Manistee, Michigan. Together they had six children: Marvin Gillespie (Julie), the late Michelle “Mickey” Gillespie, Cindy Jaskulski (Jim; and her first husband, the late Roger Perez), Jim Gillespie (and his late wife, Susan), Shawn Gillespie (Margot), and Renee Ihlenfeldt (William). Her children went on to create a legacy for Letha that includes 13 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, each of whom carried a special place in her heart.
Letha was preceded in death by her husband, Ken; daughter, Mickey; son-in-law Roger, daughter-in-law Susan, parents, Carl and Gladys; sisters Charlotte, Jerry, and Shirley; brothers Jay and Mike, and her nephew Don Wallace, who was raised and loved as a brother.
Letha devoted many years to nursing, serving as a Manistee County nurse and caring for others with calm strength and a servant’s heart. After retiring from nursing, her energy and determination never slowed. She began a second career by founding West Shore Rental Management, which she and Ken grew and operated for ten years—another chapter marked by hard work and integrity.
In their later years, Letha and Ken embraced life’s adventures, traveling throughout the United States in their fifth wheel and enjoying the rhythm of being snowbirds—winters in Leesburg, Florida, and summers in Manistee—before eventually settling full-time at Holiday RV Park in Leesburg.
Letha was also a gifted and devoted quilter, stitching love, patience, and care into every piece she made. Her quilts became family treasures—created for each of her children and grandchildren and lovingly made to welcome great-grandchildren at birth. Her generosity reached beyond her own family as well, as she made quilts for individuals in nursing homes, offering warmth and comfort through her handiwork.
When she wasn’t quilting, Letha cherished time with her many friends, enjoying visits, laughter, and playing card games. Her friends in the park knew her best as a very shrewd marble player!
Letha will be remembered for her unwavering faith and quiet strength. Her life was a blessing, and her memory will be held close—like one of her quilts—stitched into the hearts of those she loved.
There will be a memorial service at the Holiday RV Travel Park once the snowbirds arrive later this year, as well as a service in Manistee will be announced once the family has determined a date.
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