Mable "Frances" Gillam, age 87 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Miller's Merry Manor in Tipton after a long, well-lived life. Frances was born December 16, 1928 in Alexandria to Howard P. and Esther Pearl (Compton) Davis. She attended Catholic school in Tipton. Frances married John R. Gillam on February 17, 1946, and they shared more than 70 years of marriage together. Frances had a strong faith in God and was a former member of Zion Chapel Church in Elwood and currently a member of the Central Wesleyan Church in Elwood. She was a homemaker nearly all her life, and took exceptional care of her family. She also regularly cleaned several homes in Elwood and formerly worked as a cook at Jim Dandy Restaurant. Frances was formerly active in the Elwood Home Economics Club; enjoyed crafting and cooking; and assisted with the Elwood Meals on Wheels program for many years. Frances and John especially enjoyed camping, and were active members of the Hoosier Heartlanders Camping Club. More than anything Frances will be remembered for her love and devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren.

Frances' family includes her husband, John Gillam of Elwood; son, Robert Eugene (wife Tricia) Gillam of Tipton; daughter, Virginia "Kay" (husband Mike) Landseadel of Tipton; 8 grandchildren, Tammy Landseadel, Michelle (husband Robert) Kincade, Greg Kyle, Kris Betzold, Megan (husband Rod) Draper, Miranda (husband Leonard) Beeman, Mallory Gillam, and Jonathan Gillam; half-sister, Reta (husband Don) Dunbar of Florida; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Roberta Louise Kyle; sister, Alice Louise Allen; 2 half-brothers, Bill Davis and Jerry Davis; half-sister, Harline Prohaska; step-mother, Katherine Davis; and step-father, Orville Workman.

A funeral service celebrating Frances's life will be conducted at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 18, 2016 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Rev's Earl and Caroline Christopher, former pastors at Zion Chapel Church in Elwood, officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Elwood. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Monday prior to the funeral service at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Wesleyan Church through the funeral home. Online condolences may be made to the Gillam family at copherfeslermay.com.